Carrie Underwood recently paid an emotional tribute to the late country music legend Dolly Parton during her debut performance at the Tanglewood Music Center in Lenox, Massachusetts. Underwood, visibly moved, described Parton as a "huge influence to so many of us" and one of the kindest people she has ever met.
"It was such a shock, I feel like just to the whole world, like could feel the ripples, like time just stood still, and it was just like... what?" Underwood said, reflecting on the impact of Parton's passing. "She's just the one that transcends all space and all time."
Underwood emphasized Parton's enduring legacy, noting that the "9 to 5" singer seemed to maintain a bright outlook until her final days. "She is gone, but she's not forgotten," Underwood told the audience.
The "Jesus Take the Wheel" singer also highlighted Parton's profound faith, stating, "I know where she is and I know how much she loved Jesus." Before dedicating her song "See You Again" to Parton, Underwood asked the audience to light up the venue with their phones in her honor.
In social media posts following Parton's death, Underwood reiterated her admiration. "She was the epitome of faith, grace, talent, beauty and humor. She had a humble heart for Jesus and made everyone around her feel special," Underwood wrote on Instagram. She added that Parton was "probably the one person on planet Earth that everyone loved and could agree on" and that "heaven gained an angel."
Dolly Parton died at the age of 80 in Nashville, Tennessee, following a brief battle with cancer. Her team released a statement describing her life and career as dedicated to bringing "joy, laughter, hope and integrity into everything she touched."
Parton's generosity extended beyond her music career. Her Imagination Library program, launched in 1995, has gifted more than 300 million books to children worldwide. Her charitable work through the Dollywood Foundation and her business ventures, including Dollywood theme park, also left a significant impact.