Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, and More Stars Pay Tribute to Dolly Parton

The death of Dolly Parton at age 80 sparked a wave of tributes from Hollywood and music artists. Beyoncé, Sabrina Carpenter, Taylor Swift, Pedro Pascal, Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin and other well-known names mourned the loss of the singer, actress, and songwriter.

Beyoncé, who recorded “Jolene” on the album Cowboy Carter and featured Parton on “Tyrant,” posted a tribute on her website. The singer called Dolly “the guiding star” and highlighted her artistry, generosity, and entrepreneurial spirit. “You taught me so many lessons about how to be uniquely yourself,” she wrote.

Carpenter, who collaborated with Parton on a version of “Please Please Please,” recalled their meeting. The singer said that when she met Dolly, all she could think was that she was “truly an angel walking on Earth.” Sabrina also said she will forever cherish the artist’s conversations, laughter, and teachings.

In a statement to Variety, Swift said: “A world without Dolly doesn’t feel possible, real, or right. “She was truly the gift that kept on giving. Dolly gave us someone to look up to while encouraging us to be who we are as individuals. Somehow she was able to give us her lessons about the world gently and honestly, simultaneously, and oftentimes hilariously". 

Pascal was direct in his tribute to Parton, calling her “one of a kind.” “We need to do better,” the actor wrote in a post.

Jane Fonda, Parton’s co-star in 9 to 5, posted a long message about her friend. “I’ve never met anyone like her,” she said. For the actress, Dolly will be remembered for her presence, generosity, humor, songs, acting, and the philanthropic work she carried out throughout her life.

Lily Tomlin, who also starred in 9 to 5 alongside Parton and Fonda, shared an old photo of the two of them and wrote simply: “No words...,” accompanied by a broken-heart emoji.

Kelly Clarkson highlighted Dolly’s ability to make people feel welcome. According to the singer, Parton had “a special way of making everyone feel special, seen” and will leave behind an artistic legacy for millions of people.

Linda Ronstadt, who recorded with Parton and was also her friend, said she was deeply saddened by the loss. “The world is a poorer place without her,” she wrote.

Elton John called Dolly a “giant” and “irreplaceable” artist, while Colman Domingo said the singer taught that it was possible to “be anything, do anything, and do it all with kindness.”

Other artists such as Sally Field, Norah Jones, Dionne Warwick, Kacey Musgraves, Maren Morris, Cyndi Lauper, Paul McCartney, Barbra Streisand, Sheryl Crow, Blake Shelton, Snoop Dogg, Keith Urban, and Boy George also paid tribute to the country music legend on social media.