Tributes pour in worldwide following death of country music icon Dolly Parton
Stars from across Hollywood and the country music world have paid tribute to the country music icon following her death
Tributes have flooded in following the death of country music legend Dolly Parton.
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The American country singer died on Tuesday aged 80, her family announced on Instagram.
The singer, songwriter and actress, known for smash hits like Jolene and 9 to 5, captured the public's imagination for nearly six decades.
Hollywood and country music stars have been left devastated by the announcement, with Kacey Musgraves among the first to pay tribute.
The singer wrote on X, "Dolly. This really hurts. The world feels a lot less sparkly all of a sudden. So glad she's with her Carl Dean. No one talk to me today."
Read More: Caller from Tennessee pays tribute to Dolly Parton
The world feels a lot less sparkly all of a sudden.
— K A C E Y (@KaceyMusgraves) August 25, 2026
US President Trump also weighed in on the country legend's death, announcing he had decided to lower the American flag in her honour.
He wrote on Truth Social: "Very sad to report that Dolly Parton, one of the greatest Country singers, and far beyond, EVER, has just passed away.
"This is a true loss for millions of people. There has never been anyone like her, and never will.
"In her honor, I am lowering the American flag throughout the United States for a one week period beginning tonight at 6:00PM. Rest in Peace, Dolly! The World loves you."
TV personality and singer Kelly Osbourne shared photos of Dolly Parton with her son, Sidney, saying there would “never be another” and thanking her for leaving the world “brighter, kinder, and better”.
Dolly's team later took to her Instagram account to share details of her funeral arrangements, which the Jolene songstress had made herself.
"At Dolly’s request, a small, private service will be held for immediate family," the caption read.
"Dolly’s fans and friends from around the world are encouraged to pay tribute to Dolly on social media.
"In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library at www.imaginationlibrary.com."
Memorial flowers will be placed at Dolly Parton’s Hollywood Walk of Fame star on Tuesday in tribute to the singer’s life and legacy.
Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney posted on X: “Deeply saddened by the news of Dolly Parton’s death.
“In Scotland, her Imagination Library inspired a love of reading and provided thousands of free books for children. Her warmth, generosity and her music were truly one of a kind. My thoughts are with her family and friends.”
Her Imagination Library, a book-gifting programme devoted to inspiring a love of reading in children, has given more than 270 million books to children in need.
The programme was started by Parton in 1995, inspired by her father, who could not read or write.
Country singer Reba McEntire made a personal tribute to her “buddy Dolly”.
On Instagram, she wrote: “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.“
She added: “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.
“I will always love you, Reba.”
Meanwhile, Sir Elton John said he was “devastated” to hear about Dolly Parton’s death.
In a tribute on his Instagram stories, the British singer-songwriter wrote: “Shocked and devastated to hear of Dolly’s passing.
“A giant of an artist – unique and irreplaceable, with the kindest heart.”
Dolly Parton had launched a limited-edition denim collection called “Dolly’s Joleans!” with a fashion brand led by social media personality Khloe Kardashian and British businesswoman Emma Grede.
In a tribute posted to her Instagram stories, Kardashian described the singer as “a once-in-a-lifetime soul” and “an astronomical human being”.
She said: “Some people are so extraordinary, their existence feels almost impossible. Dolly was one of those people."
“To have met her, spent time in her presence, and somehow been lucky enough that Dolly Parton knew my name… I will never have words big enough for what that means to me," she added.
During her glittering career, Parton won 11 Grammy awards, including a Lifetime Achievement Award.
With classic songs including "Coat of Many Colors," "Jolene" and "I Will Always Love You," she became one of the best-selling female artists of all time, with over 100 million records sold.
In the video shared on Instagram, Parton’s nephew said: “My name is Brian Seaver, son of Cassie Parton, and I’m representing the Parton and Owens family today announcing the passing of my aunt, Dolly Rebecca Parton Dean.
“Sister, Sis and Granny to one generation and Gigi to the next.”
He added: “This video announcement is something Dolly asked of me years ago, before I fully absorbed it as a future reality. As her head of security for more than two decades, a role my father Larry held before me, I have imagined the heaviness of this moment but haven’t truly felt it until now.”
Mr Seaver added: “It is an honour, an honour that is mixed with absolute pride and great sadness. But sadness lies with us, not with Dolly.
“Dolly has lived in the light and is in the arms of Jesus, surely met by Carl, her parents and countless others who have watched her and longed to meet her in the heavens.”
Parton's wholesome personality, combined with her towering blond hairdos, flamboyant costumes and giddy delight at holding center stage, endeared her to Americans of all backgrounds and helped introduce country music to international audiences.
Over the years Parton hosted a TV variety show, starred in movies, and even created a theme park, Dollywood, a popular tourist spot in her home state of Tennessee - all in addition to her lauded work as a songwriter.
But the quality that gave her enduring star power was her ability to connect with people.
Coming from a self-described "dirt-poor" family, Parton often stood in as a symbol of the working-class American and regularly threw her name and money behind causes she believed in.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Parton donated $1 million to vaccine research at Vanderbilt University in 2020, making her an early sponsor of Moderna's vaccine development.
She conducted a literacy program for preschool children across the United States, as well as in Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia and Ireland, and provided scholarships to high school students in the Tennessee county where she was born.
The county erected a life-size statue of her in front of the courthouse in thanks, though she declined another proposed statue of her in Nashville in 2021, saying, "Given all that's going on in the world, I don't think putting me on a pedestal is appropriate at this time."
It was this ability to stay true to her roots, combined with her drive to work hard and her nonpartisanship, that fueled her appeal among conservatives and liberals in a politically polarised America.