Remembering Dolly Parton: A Legendary Life and Heartfelt Tributes
People stand next to tributes left by mourners surrounding the Dolly Parton Statue after the announcement of her passing, in downtown Sevierville, Tennessee, U.S., August 26, 2026. Picture taken with a mobile phone. REUTERS/Kevin Fogarty
The Celebrity Beat…
As you’ve probably heard by now, we lost a true legend and icon yesterday. Dolly Rebecca Parton passed away at 80 years old. She was multi-faceted as a singer, songwriter, actress, humanitarian, author, and playwright.
Her reps said she bravely faced a brief battle with cancer and passed at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville surrounded by loved ones. It’s not clear what type of cancer she had.
It was previously reported that Dolly was admitted to the hospital on Friday and was dealing with kidney and autoimmune issues. Her nephew was the first to break the news with a video on Instagram.
He said, quote, “Dolly called me and said she wants to rest in a beautiful bed of plush cotton because after a life wearing heavy rhinestones, she finally deserves to be comfortable and have some rest.”
Her reps shared that at Dolly’s request, she will be laid to rest with a small and private service with immediate family at Woodlawn Memorial Park and Mausoleum in Nashville.
She’ll join her husband Carl Dean, who passed away in March of last year, in the mausoleum. You can see a photo of their plaque here.
Instead of flowers, Dolly’s family is asking for donations to her Imagination Library. Fans are also encouraged to pay tribute to her by tagging her account on social media.
Yesterday, President Trump ordered flags to be flown at half-staff for one week in honor of Dolly Parton. In his message, he called her, quote, “one of the greatest Country singers, and far beyond, EVER.”
Also in Dolly’s honor, the Empire State Building sparkled in pink last night at 9:25 p.m.
Tributes have been pouring in from Dolly’s famous friends.
Here are some highlights:
1. Taylor Swift: “A world without Dolly doesn’t feel possible, real, or right. But because of the eternally generous way she spent her time on this earth and the countless lives she changed for the better, her legacy will be an everlasting one.”
2. Jack White: “Instant Sainthood“. He also performed a cover of “Jolene” last night in London.
3. Beyoncé: “You were the barometer. The north star. Bold and brilliant. Talented and tenacious. You taught so many lessons on how to be uniquely oneself . . . I’m honored that I had the privilege to work with you.”
4. Reba McEntire: “There will never ever be another you. We will remember and cherish every memory and every note you ever played and sang. Thank you, Lord, for Dolly.”
5. Jamie Lee Curtis: “They say don’t meet your heroes. They were wrong about her … She is a great example for us all.”
6. Jane Fonda: “Let’s be grateful for all that she has left us to ease our sadness now. I never knew anyone like her…She was the voluptuous embodiment of empathy. That’s something of hers she’d want us all to take with us.”
7. Sally Field: “If there are truly angels on earth, then we have just lost one. Dolly Parton. There will never be another. I adored her with all my heart and will always cherish our time together. Forever.”
8. Paul McCartney: “She was so bubbly and full of life it is difficult to take in the news that she has passed… There was no greater honor for me than to have her sing my song ‘Let It Be’.”
9. Carrie Underwood: “She was the epitome of faith, grace, talent, beauty, and humor. She had a humble heart for Jesus and made everyone around her feel special. She was probably the one person on planet Earth that everyone loved and could agree on.”
10. Sarah Michelle Gellar: “Just being a small part of the great history of Dolly is everything to me.” Dolly was an uncredited producer on “Buffy the Vampire Slayer“.
