Fans, musicians remember Dolly Parton

Press releases

Music icon, Dollywood proprietor, actor and philanthropist Dolly Parton died Tuesday at the age of 80. The 2022 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee was reportedly battling cancer.

Tributes poured in following news of Parton’s passing.

“Dolly Parton’s legacy is not celebrity, but humanity," said Kyle Young, CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. "She was a champion of equality and literacy. She was a picture of dignity, even when dressed outrageously. Anyone who seeks to be more like Dolly is on the right track, but they’ll never get to the finish line. She came from poverty to become the most important native of Tennessee. She shared her fortunes for the good of all of us, and shared her soul in every note she sang."

Harry Wayne Casey, aka KC of KC and The Sunshine Band, said, “I am in shock. I met Dolly back in the late ’70s. We had the same manager, and I was lucky enough to meet her and know her throughout the years, and then we ended up with the same management team again years later. She was one of the sweetest and kindest people I had ever met. I have many fond memories that I will cherish and hold close to my heart. Such a talent and a tremendous loss to pop and country music and to those who knew and loved her. She will truly be missed."

Bill Anderson said, “The last thing Dolly said to me was, ‘Bill Anderson – I Will Always Love You.’ She was looking me in the eye from the giant video screen in the Grand Ole Opry House on the occasion of my 65th Opry anniversary a few weeks ago. She was smiling as only Dolly could, making my night even more special than it already was. The news of her passing has rocked my world, but as we sang together back in 2023, ‘Someday It'll All Make Sense.’ ”

David and Howard Bellamy of The Bellamy Brothers shared, “We’ve known Dolly a long time, and like everybody who was lucky enough to cross her path, we loved her.

“Back in 2005, we got the chance to record ‘If I Said You Had a Beautiful Body’ together. Dolly told us she’d always wanted to sing that song, and hearing her voice on it is something we’ll treasure even more today.

“She was one of a kind ... talented beyond words, funny, gracious and always Dolly.

Country music lost one of its greatest, and we lost a friend.

“We love you, Dolly. We’ll miss you."

Billy Ray Cyrus said, "I have so many moments and memories with Dolly, it’s hard to know where to start. Like every little boy, I grew up loving Dolly Parton. She was a part of our lives, on our TVs, right in our living rooms. 

“In 1992, I’ll never forget walking into her dressing room to apologize for all the tabloid stories, which claimed I was having an affair with her. In true Dolly fashion, she just looked at me, winked and said, ‘Honey, this trash sells records!’

Dolly recently sent me a beautiful message, telling me she loved me with her whole heart. I will always love her in the same way … with my whole heart … and I always will."

Artpark & Company shared, “We’re saddened to learn of the passing of Dolly Parton.

“Dolly was a true legend – a remarkable performer, songwriter, storyteller and entertainer whose music touched generations of fans around the world.

“We were incredibly fortunate to welcome Dolly to Artpark on Sunday, June 12, 2016. She had the Amphitheater audience in the palm of her hand, and this video captures a wonderful moment of Dolly truly enjoying her fans while performing one of her most iconic songs, ‘Jolene.’ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m-rrO1VeA0Q

“We’re grateful to have been part of an unforgettable evening with one of the most beloved artists of all time.

“Thank you for the music, Dolly.”

The Grand Ole Opry will dedicate Saturday night’s show to Parton, a Country Music Hall of Fame and Grand Ole Opry member, honoring her life, legacy, and contributions to country music. Among the artists scheduled for the show is Carly Pearce, who began her career at Dollywood and who Parton surprised with an invitation to become an official Opry member in 2021. The show can be heard on the Opry’s flagship station, WSM-AM, as well as wsmonline.com, opry.com, and SiriusXM channel 58. The Opry’s marquee is set to honor Parton through Saturday evening.

“(Tuesday’s) Opry opened with Opry member Rhonda Vincent sharing ‘This is for Dolly,’ before performing Parton’s “Coat of Many Colors.” Vincent returned to the stage later to sing Parton’s “9 to 5” and “Jolene.” Additional tributes tonight included Morgan Myles’ performance of Parton’s 1973 classic “I Will Always Love You.”

"Dolly Parton was perhaps the most loved and admired artist from her home state of Tennessee," said Colin Reed, executive chairman of Ryman Hospitality Properties. "She was also an extraordinary member of the Grand Ole Opry, and her music and sense of humor will live on for generations to come. We are so blessed to have been a part of her incredible career.”

"Every member of the Grand Ole Opry family has a Dolly story, as does everyone around the world who was ever in her orbit,” said Dan Rogers, senior vice president and executive producer, Grand Ole Opry. “That’s just one of the things that made her so special. For more than 50 years as an Opry member, she used her talent and success to bring sheer joy to millions. To every artist, she provided inspiration beyond measure. To every fan, she connected in a way that made each of us feel like the most important person in the room. Her impact will live on forever as we all carry forward the kindness, compassion and generosity she shared throughout her life. Dolly always knew exactly what to say. I’m afraid the best I have on this terribly sad day is a genuine, heartfelt, 'Thank you for everything, Dolly. We sure do love you.’ ”

More reactions

Don McLean said, “The death of Dolly Parton is as big as Elvis.

“This rocks the country and the world in the same way and we won’t get over this for a long time.

“God bless this beautiful girl.”

Kid Rock said, “Quite simply The G.O.A.T

“Thanks for the songs, the laughs, the humility and grace.

“Without a doubt a woman who God truly has his hands on.

“Rock on Dolly, baby rock on.”

Lee Greenwood said, “Dolly Parton has always carried a light that shines from deep within. It is a light that will never fade.

“Her gifts as a singer, songwriter, musician, actress and entertainer are legendary. But as remarkable as her talent is, I believe her greatest legacy is her heart. Her faith in God, her kindness, her incredible work ethic and her generosity are simply part of who Dolly is. She has that rare gift of connecting with people and making everyone feel like they matter.

“And perhaps that is why her music has meant so much to so many of us. We all lived a little bit of life through Dolly’s songs. She gave words to love and heartache, hope and hardship, joy and dreams. Somehow, she could tell her story and make it feel like ours.

“Dolly has spent a lifetime sharing her light with others. Perhaps the greatest tribute we can give her is to carry a little of that light forward ourselves: to be kinder, to give more generously, to lift others up, and to leave the world a little brighter than we found it.

“One beautiful way to do that is by supporting Dolly’s Imagination Library and helping continue the work she began, putting books into the hands and dreams into the hearts of children everywhere.

“Thank you, Dolly, for the music, the laughter, the faith, the generosity and, most of all, the heart you have shared with all of us.

“We will always love you, Dolly.”

Duane Allen of The Oak Ridge Boys said, “Dolly was the songbook of many of our lives. I remember when she joined ‘The Porter Wagoner Show.’ We were on those shows and shared the same dressing room. She was charming then, just as she was the last time I saw her. ‘When I Sing For Him’ is one of my favorite songs she ever sang. We recorded ‘Coat Of Many Colors,’ written by Dolly. When she wrote, ‘I Will Always Love You,’ I believe that is one of the greatest songs ever written.

“When she called us to help open her new theater in Pigeon Forge, I was thrilled. One of the highlights of my career is to have THE OAK RIDGE BOYS, BOB HOPE, DOLLY PARTON, opening her new theater.

“Dolly, I could go on and on about you giving to children’s learning, but others will want to thank you.

“I will close with, ‘I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU.’ ”

Nancy Jones said, “George and Dolly shared a truly special bond. They came up together playing the Grand Ole Opry and became part of the very fabric of Nashville and country music. Dolly always said George Jones was her all-time favorite singer. I will never forget when they recorded together during ‘The Bradley Barn Sessions.’ God bless Dolly. Country music will always love her.”

Rhonda Vincent said, “It would take a lifetime to express the love and gratitude I have for Dolly Parton.

“She was a true friend and mentor, even making a trip from Nashville to Greentop, Missouri, when I had a life-threatening illness.

“She said, ‘I had to make sure you’re OK myself.’

“Her work ethic was unmatched, and although she was a world icon, she was as down to earth your next-door neighbor.

“I will ALWAYS love you Dolly!!”

Crystal Gayle said, “When I was growing up in Wabash, Indiana, I would sit on the floor in front of our TV on Saturday afternoons waiting for ‘The Porter Wagoner Show’ to come on. I couldn’t wait for Dolly to sing.

“I loved her voice and songs and how beautiful she was. I thought Dolly was an angel. When I first met her, I realized that she was.

“We will always love and miss our Dolly.”

Janie Fricke said, “My heart is broken over the passing of my dear friend Dolly Parton. Dolly brought so much joy to this world through her songs, her kindness, her humor, and her beautiful spirit. She had a special way of taking the everyday moments of life and making them feel extraordinary.

“I am so grateful for every memory and for the privilege of calling her my friend. My prayers are with the Parton and Owens families and with everyone who loved her. I take comfort in knowing that Dolly is in the loving arms of Jesus and reunited with her beloved Carl. God Bless you Dolly.”

T. Graham Brown said, “The sweet, kind and incomparable Dolly Parton has passed on to rest in the arms of her Jesus. It would take volumes to list her many accomplishments.

“Some of my favorite memories are of being on the road with her and Kenny Rogers. She always lit up the stage, and everyone in attendance was thrilled and delighted by her performance. She will live on in our hearts forever.

“We will always love you. Rest in peace, sister.”

William Lee Golden of The Oak Ridge Boys said, “The Oak Ridge Boys were guests on ‘The Porter Wagoner Show’ in Nashville when we first met Dolly Parton.

“With a voice like an angel and that special light about her, she captured our hearts from the very beginning. We treasured the many times we were blessed to share stages with her through the years.

“Today, I am shocked and deeply saddened to hear of her passing. The last time I remember feeling this stunned was when Elvis Presley passed away.

“Rest in peace, Dolly, until we sing with you in harmony again.

“Your songs, your voice, and your light of love will live and shine in our hearts forever.”

Jeremy Westby said, “I spent nearly 10 years working with Dolly. Our first meeting was for a virtual junket from Reba’s downstairs studio at Starstruck on music row sometime in 2008. That was hug No. 1. The hugs continued – for nearly a decade. All over the world. Hugs, winks, laughs, and that unmatched, world-renowned wit that should have its own dictionary entry. She made me blush on MANY occasions – and those who were around then, know exactly why!

“One night at Thackerville, Oklahoma, on her 2016 N. America tour, my grandmother and aunts drove up for the show. In that meet & greet line, my grandmother showed Dolly a photo pin-back button from my cross-country running days in high school. Dolly squealed, and said, ‘Can I have it?’ So, she promptly grabbed that photo button and kept it. From my grandmother. Everybody was cracking up and once again, I was blushing.

“Beyond the personal memories – I also had the pleasure of shooting thousands of photos every night of/for her. Even bought extra cameras over the years, solely for that purpose! Impossible to edit them down to select favorites – they’re all just too good! But I’ve shared one of them here, from her performance at The Hollywood Bowl in 2016.

“When I announced my engagement in 2020 to my bride, a massive bouquet showed up at the house. That was just Dolly’s way of saying ‘I will always love you.’ Even after you have parted ways professionally, the friendship never dies.

“And neither will she.

“Her laughter and songs will live on in every heart that hears it, for eternity.

“We love you Dolly.”