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Celebrities react to music legend Dolly Parton’s death
Dolly Parton, the 10-time Grammy-winning country singer, songwriter, actress and philanthropist known as the “Queen of Country,” has died at 80, her family announced in a video statement Tuesday.
Her death has prompted widespread reaction from notable figures across the music, film and television industries, among others.
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Here are some of those reactions:
President Donald Trump, the 45th and 47th U.S. president
“Very sad to report that Dolly Parton, one of the greatest Country singers, and far beyond, EVER, has just passed away,” Trump wrote on social media. “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. President DONALD J. TRUMP.”
Former President Bill Clinton, the 42nd U.S. president
“Dolly Parton was one of a kind—a great songwriter and performer who told the stories of everyday Americans with honesty, humility, and heart. She rose high from her East Tennessee roots and never forgot where she came from,” Clinton wrote on social media. “And she always believed in giving back, especially in her efforts to promote literacy. Hillary and I were big fans and first saw her in 1974, and will always be grateful for the music and the memories. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family, her legion of fans, and everyone who loved her.”
Reba McEntire, Grammy-winning singer and actress
“Well, I just got the news that my buddy Dolly passed onto the higher and greater side. Dolly, thank you for all the wonderful things you did for us here on earth,” McEntire wrote on X. “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.”
Mayor Zohran Mamdani, New York City’s mayor
“This is truly heartbreaking,” he wrote on X. “Dolly Parton was an extraordinary person and an irreplaceable champion of the working class. We are a better country because of her.”
Kacey Musgraves, Grammy-winning singer and songwriter
“Dolly. 💔 This really really hurts,” she said in her first post on X.
“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,” Musgraves continued in subsequent posts.
Blake Shelton, country singer and TV personality
“I can say with absolute certainty that we are all feeling the same heart brokenness today. I only got to spend any real time with Dolly when Gwen and I got to work with her on The Voice,” Shelton wrote on social media. “I want everyone to know that she was the EXACT person that you think she is. It was like being with the funnest, most loving, most caring and closest member of your family. Truly a loss for the entire world. We love you Dolly.”
Jaimie Lee Curtis, Oscar-winning actress
“They say don’t meet your heroes,” Curtis wrote in a caption of an Instagram post. “Her bravery to know that she was more than they thought she was and that she needed to break away and move on into new work and new possibilities led her to write I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU, as her way of thanking and loving, but moving on. She is a great example for us all.”
Gov. Andy Beshear, Kentucky’s governor
“Dolly Parton was an American icon who brought people together and spread joy. In Kentucky, she shared her love of reading through her Imagination Library, sparking brighter futures for thousands of children across our commonwealth,” Beshear wrote on Facebook. “There aren’t enough words to sum up the impact and legacy Dolly leaves behind, but it is clear that it will continue for generations to come. Britainy and I are praying for Dolly’s family and all those hurting from this enormous loss.”
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
“In Memoriam: 2022 Inductee Dolly Parton was a groundbreaking singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, charismatic performer, acclaimed actor, and media mogul,” the museum and hall of fame wrote on Facebook, sharing a video that highlighted memorable moments from her career. “Throughout her long and illustrious career, she composed over 3,000 songs, including “Jolene” and “I Will Always Love You” — both of which, incredibly, she wrote in a single day — “9 to 5,” and “Coat of Many Colors.” A passionate philanthropist, Parton supported causes such as literacy and childhood development through her Dollywood Foundation and Imagination Library. In a career spanning six decades and 100 million album sales, Dolly Parton’s warmth, humor, and talent will forever remain in the hearts of fans all over the world.”
Noah Kahan, singer and songwriter
“Rest peacefully Dolly, thank you for the joy and the music and the example you set for us all ❤️,” Kahan wrote on social media.
Henry Winkler, Emmy-winning actor
“What a sad day for America what a sad day for the world what a sad day for the pardon (sic) family. Dolly! We will miss you in more ways than one can say you were a treasure on this earth,” Winkler wrote on X.
The Muppets
“There will never be another quite like Dolly Parton. She was the ultimate singer, songwriter, actress, performer, and philanthropist,” a Facebook page dedicated to the puppets wrote. “She filled the world with light and we are so grateful for every second we got to spend with her onstage and off.”
Pedro Pascal, actor
“One of one 💔. We must make more. #DollyParton #Love,” Pascal wrote on Instagram.
U.S. Department of the Interior
“Dolly Parton carried the music, stories and spirit of her Tennessee mountain home wherever she went. She was a lifelong champion of the Great Smoky Mountains and proudly shared her love for them with the world,” the department wrote on X. “While we may no longer see her working 9 to 5, we will always love her. Here’s to Dolly, who made our world a little more beautiful.”
Colman Domingo, Emmy-winning actor
“Dolly taught us that you can be anything and do anything and to do it with kindness,” he wrote on social media. “What a light. We are all grateful that we lived in a time of Dolly Parton. We will always love her.”
Sen. Marsha Blackburn, U.S. senator from Tennessee
“There are no words to adequately express the sorrow our family and indeed, all Tennesseans, feel in the loss of Dolly Parton,” Blackburn wrote on X. “An iconic leader who loved our great state and nation. Her passing leaves a void that no one can ever fill. Dolly, we will always love you.”
Jeff Bezos, founder of Amazon and Blue Origin
“Dolly spent her whole life showing us what it means to lead with love. Lauren and I are so grateful to have known her. She lifted everyone with her music, her generosity, and her joy,” Bezos wrote on social media. “Sending our sincere condolences to her family and everyone she touched.”
Gene Simmons, bassist and co-lead singer of Kiss
Very, very sad. She was a sweet and kind soul and I’m proud to say I knew her. And I witnessed she always took time to stop and greet anyone around her,” Simmons wrote on X. “There will never be another Dolly.”
Trace Adkins, country musician
“It is indeed rare for the world, collectively, to express sorrow for someone’s passing. I knew her to be the angel that they think she was, and I’ll miss her,” Adkins wrote on social media. “Dolly, I’ll always love you.”
Tim Cook, CEO of Apple
“Dolly Parton’s music helped light up the world,” Cook wrote on social media. “She was a brilliant songwriter, cultural icon, and dedicated philanthropist who helped instill a love of reading and learning in millions of children around the world. May she rest in peace.”
Rep. Mike Johnson, speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives
“America has lost a true national treasure. Dolly Parton’s unmistakable voice, joyful spirit, and remarkable generosity touched generations of Americans and many others around the world,” Johnson wrote on X. “From the mountains of Tennessee to stages across the globe, she never forgot where she came from, and she used her extraordinary success to lift up countless others. Our prayers are with her family and all who loved her.”
