Remembering Dolly Parton: Tributes Pour in From Former Musical Collaborators and Friends From Reba to Miley
Dolly Parton’s death has shocked the world, and folks remember her legacy
Key Takeaways
- The world mourns the tragic passing of country musician Dolly Parton at age 80.
- Many of Dolly's former friends and collaborators have shared touching tributes.
- Here, a look at some of the sweet messages shared to social media.
On August 25, the world was shaken by the unexpected passing of country music legend Dolly Parton. Born in 1946, the famed blonde songstress, known for hits like “9 to 5,” “Jolene” and “I Will Always Love You,” spent her life giving back to others.
In addition to the charitable efforts she dedicated her life to, she also devoted much of herself and career to lifting up other artists across all genres—a true testament to her character. A true pioneer in her industry, her grit, determination and talent served as inspiration for dozens of artists—especially women.
Known for her stunning beauty, blonde locks and over-the-top ensembles, Dolly was no stranger to doubters—but as her career progressed and the world got to know her, her undeniable talent and quick wit proved everyone wrong and taught the world an important lesson about judging a book by its cover.
As the world mourns the loss of an icon, various artists who had been lucky enough to work with her have spent the last day sharing tributes and touching personal anecdotes about the singer, as well as emphasizing the barriers she broke down for the musicians who will come after her. Here, a look at what some of them are saying.
Sabrina Carpenter
In 2025, Sabrina Carpenter teamed up with Dolly Parton for a fun take on Sabrina’s hit pop track “Please Please Please.” The song got a country remix, and working alongside Dolly left its mark on Sabrina as detailed in a tribute shared to her social media.
“I will cherish our laughter and conversations and I will keep your wisdom, your playful outlook on life, and perfect sense of humor in my pocket for the rainy days. There will never be another you and how lucky are we all to have experienced your singular magic as well as your once in a lifetime voice, songs, and heart.”
Billy Ray Cyrus
Billy Ray Cyrus, known for tracks like “Achy Breaky Heart,” worked alongside Dolly Parton countless times over the years. They collaborated on tracks like “Romeo,” toured alongside one another, and even shared the screen in Disney Channel’s Hannah Montana. Yesterday, he took to Instagram to share his memories of Dolly.
“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.”
Eminem
Though Dolly Parton and Eminem never actually collaborated, they were both inducted to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2022. Eminem posted an unexpected tribute to social media yesterday, sharing a letter Dolly had personally written him after his induction. It read, “Congratulations on your induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Your performance was amazing and everybody said so. Even though I don’t know a lot about rap music, I’ve come to know that you are the very best at it. Aside from that, I hope what I have to say will not seem weird or strange to you, but I have always felt some unexplained connection to you like I know you somehow.” She continued to wish him well and emphasize that his talents have touched many lives, which Eminem reacted to in the caption.
“I’m sorry we never got a chance to meet, but getting this note from Dolly really had an impact on me. She definitely didn’t have to take the time to do it. Even for a kid who mostly listened to rap music, she was an icon. A superstar in every sense. Rest easy Dolly. And thank you for the kind words.”
Reba McEntire
Reba McEntire enjoyed a decades-long friendship with Dolly Parton before her passing, both being influential figures within the country music world. Dolly even appeared on McEntire’s sitcom, Reba. The red-headed musician and actress shared a few sweet words in honor of her friend on Instagram, saying, “Dolly, thank you for all the wonderful things you did for us here on earth. Your love, your music and you gave so much with your huge, huge heart. 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. She’s gonna have a blast in heaven singing all her favorite songs with all her family and friends who have gone on before her. I’ll never forget the first time I met you and I’ll never forget our last conversation. I hold it with love in my heart.”
Carrie Underwood
Carrie Underwood rose to fame after winning American Idol in 2005, and after her competition victory, she was guided by the “I Will Always Love You” singer throughout her career. In 2009, the duo shared the stage to perform the hit track together during Carrie’s All Star Holiday Special, and they continued to enjoy a friendship in the years that followed. Carrie shared her thoughts on Dolly’s passing in a sweet tribute to Instagram, with a sentiment we can all agree with.
“She’s not gone. I know exactly where she is. 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. She was a one of one and no one will ever come close. It’s alright to be sad that this world lost a legend, but heaven gained an angel. Well done, good and faithful Dolly. Welcome home.”
Beyonce
In 2024, Beyonce released her country album Cowboy Carter, and not only did she record her own version of Dolly’s hit “Jolene,” but Dolly even lent her voice to “Dolly P,” which preceded “Jolene” on the record and introduced Beyonce’s rendition. Dolly’s voice could also be heard on the song “Tyrant.”
Beyonce shared a statement to her website honoring Dolly in the wake of her passing. “Dolly, you were the barometer,” she wrote. “The north star. Bold and brilliant. Talented and tenacious. You taught so many lessons on how to be uniquely oneself. I am grateful for your art, your heart, your generosity, your humor, your entrepreneurship. I’m honored that I had the privilege to work with you. I will treasure that forever. Thank you for your profound impact on the world. You are an angel who has made this world a happier place because of your joyful art. You are truly one of one. Rest peacefully.”
Miley Cyrus
As the star of Hannah Montana, Miley got to act alongside Dolly when she appeared on the show, but their bond was deeper than that of co-stars. Dolly was actually Miley’s godmother, and the pair collaborated musically many times over the years.
Miley recently broke her silence surrounding Dolly’s death, writing on social media, “The feeling of losing my Aunt Dolly is beyond what feels right to share. Our most sacred moments were private and they’ll stay there behind the stage, beneath the glamour and between our hearts. What I KNOW is Dolly would want me to feel it, write a song about it, and then continue on and be strong. I have an angel by my side. I always have. One of our last conversations was about music and metamorphosis. I will always love her and want to make her proud. My heart breaks for the world, her family and friends who will miss her deeply. We’re in this loss together and we will see her in all of the most beautiful things.”
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