Dolly Parton, the country music legend, died today at age 80. Tributes from musicians and celebrities who cited her as an idol, mentor, or collaborator began circulating immediately.
Reba McEntire posted a tribute describing her longtime peer in country music, writing in part: "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. I will always love you, Reba."
Brandi Carlile wrote: "Before I met her, I loved her. I loved her because she took a risk and accepted me (and all of us) for being gay in a time where she didn't need to say anything." Kacey Musgraves posted on X: "So glad she's with her Carl Dean. No one talk to me today."
Paul McCartney described Parton as "so bubbly and full of life it is difficult to take in the news that she has passed," and noted his honor that she sang his song "Let It Be." Cyndi Lauper wrote on Instagram that Parton "used her art, her fame and her money to help so many people," and said she had often asked herself, "What would Dolly do?"
Joan Jett, who worked with Parton on her 2023 album Rockstar, described her as "a one of a kind, altruistic, down to earth, musical genius." Julia Roberts, her co-star in 1989's Steel Magnolias, told Variety: "Dolly was a magical and joyous human. I hold knowing her as a treasure in my life. The sun has dimmed today." Tributes also came from Beyoncé, Maren Morris, Shania Twain, Sabrina Carpenter, Gillian Welch, Debbie Harry, Joan Armitrading, Lee Ann Womack, Barbra Streisand, Kelly Clarkson, and others, as well as from her 9 to 5 co-stars Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda.
