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.’ ”