West End performer Amber Davies has paid tribute to the late Dolly Parton, whose music inspired the musical "9 to 5 The Musical." Davies, who starred in the 2019 production, called meeting Parton in preparation for her role a "highlight of my lifetime."

Davies shared this sentiment following news of Parton's death at age 80 on Tuesday. The country music legend died after being admitted to Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville for autoimmune and kidney issues, according to TMZ. Her nephew, Bryan Seaver, confirmed her passing in an Instagram video.

"Dolly, you gave me my first YES. One of the very first to believe in me," Davies wrote in a tribute accompanying photos of her and Parton backstage at the Savoy Theatre. "This will always be a highlight of my lifetime. The world will not be the same without you. From the entire world, Thank you @dollyparton."

"9 to 5 The Musical" is based on the 1980 comedy film of the same name, which starred Parton alongside Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin. Parton also received an Academy Award nomination for the film's theme song. In the stage production, Davies portrayed Judy Bernly, a role originated by Jane Fonda in the movie.

Seaver described his aunt as someone who "lived in the light" and is now "in the arms of Jesus." He recalled traveling with Parton on tour as a child in the 1980s, stating that she "opened doors not just for me but for her entire family to reach the potential we didn't even know was possible."

Parton, often called the Queen of Country, had a career spanning six decades and was known for hits such as "Jolene" and "9 to 5." Her passing occurred after a period of declining health that led her to cancel several public appearances.

In an interview published just days before her death, Parton expressed a desire to continue working and achieving goals. She also mentioned grappling with "health issues that I just didn't pay attention to when I was watching over Carl," referring to her late husband, Carl Dean.

A private service for Parton is expected to be held in Nashville in the coming days.