Dolly Parton’s death has sparked an outpouring of tributes from across the entertainment world, with some of music’s biggest names remembering the country icon’s extraordinary talent, generosity and unmistakable personality.
The beloved “9 to 5” singer, who became one of country music’s most recognisable stars during her decades-long career, died aged 80.
Parton’s death was announced in a video shared to her social media accounts on August 25, with her nephew Bryan Seaver delivering the heartbreaking news on behalf of the family.
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“My name is Bryan 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 announced in the clip.
“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.”
Tributes quickly flooded social media as celebrities shared their memories of the music legend.
Billy Ray Cyrus
Billy Ray Cyrus shared an emotional tribute on Instagram, posting a photo of himself with Parton and his daughter Miley Cyrus as he reflected on their decades-long friendship and the memories they shared.
Billy Ray shared a deeply personal tribute to Parton, recalling growing up watching the country superstar before eventually forming his own friendship with her.
“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 TV’s, 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.”
Kelly Clarkson
Kelly Clarkson remembered Parton for her ability to make those around her feel instantly welcome.
“Dolly Parton had a way of making everyone feel special, and seen, and welcomed, and as if you were old friends,” Kelly wrote in an Instagram post.
“I will miss her heart and her voice as I am sure millions will. What an incredible gift and talent she was and still is with an amazing catalogue of art she has left behind for all of us.”
Dolly Parton performs ‘Big Jeans and Faded Dreams’ at the 57th Academy of Country Music Awards. Credit: John Locher/AP
Reba McEntire
Fellow country music legend Reba McEntire paid tribute to Parton’s enormous contribution both on and off the stage.
“Dolly, thank you for all the wonderful things you did for us here on earth,” Reba penned in her tribute.
“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.”
Kacey Musgraves
Kacey Musgraves shared her heartbreak in a short but emotional tribute.
“Dolly. This really really hurts,” Kacey shared via X, while adding in a follow-up tweet, “So glad she’s with her Carl Dean. No one talk to me today.”
Parton’s husband Carl Dean died in March 2025 aged 82 after almost six decades of marriage.
Dolly Parton and Carl Thomas Dean. Credit: dollyparton.com
Khloé Kardashian
Khloé Kardashian reflected on having had the opportunity to meet Parton personally, describing the singer as a “once-in-a-lifetime soul”.
“Some people are extraordinary, their existence feels almost impossible,” the Kardashians star penned in an Instagram Stories tribute.
“Dolly was one of those people. A once-in-a-lifetime soul. A woman whose light, heart, talent and humanity changed this world forever. To have admired her was a gift. 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. What an astronomical human being. What a legacy. What a loss. There will never be another Dolly.”
Kloe Kardashian. Credit: Kloe Kardashian/Instagram
Maren Morris
Maren Morris joined the tributes with a video of Parton and a message about the singer’s ability to unite generations of fans.
“There will never be another,” Maren wrote next to an Instagram video she shared of Dolly. “@dollyparton was who we could all agree on. she was and is such a light.”
Donald Trump
US President Donald Trump joined the tributes to Parton, announcing American flags would be lowered across the country for a week in her honour.
“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. President DONALD J. TRUMP.”
Anthony Albanese
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese joined the outpouring of tributes to Dolly Parton, sharing a personal memory of meeting the country music legend and helping overcome a rather unusual hurdle during her 2011 Australian tour.
“Dolly Parton made our world a better place in so many ways, it’s hard to imagine the world without her. A singer and songwriter of rare power and talent, she also shone brightly as an actor, author and philanthropist.
“And the big, radiant heart of the Dolly universe was a personality as strong as it was compassionate, a vivacious woman of great humour and a sense of humanity sustained in no small part by the humble strength of her roots.
“One of the joys of my time in Government was when I was able to help Dolly overcome a bit of red tape and get her tour bus on to Australian roads in 2011. It was a magical experience meeting her, but what was even better was seeing her among her legions of local fans.
“There are a lot of broken hearts in Australia and across the world today. Wherever you are, turn your stereo or your phone to Dolly then turn the volume up.
“And may the great Dolly Parton rest in peace.”
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