Country music superstar Dolly Parton died Tuesday at the age of 80, prompting an outpouring of tributes from across the entertainment industry. Celebrities remembered Parton for her multifaceted career as a singer, songwriter, actress, and philanthropist.
Lily Tomlin, a longtime friend and co-star of Parton's 1980 film "9 to 5," shared a simple message of grief on Instagram: "No words…💔." Tomlin had previously lauded the film's theme song, which Parton wrote and performed, as "so much bigger than any singular theme song on a movie soundtrack," evolving into an "anthem for our culture of the time." She also noted Parton's "humanitarian achievements" were as "staggering as her formidable singing career," calling her "one of the few people who remains in this world that everyone loves and respects."
Country singer Kacey Musgraves expressed her sadness, stating, "This really really hurts." She added, "The world feels a lot less sparkly all of a sudden," and noted Parton's reunion with her husband, Carl Dean, who died last year.
Reba McEntire, another country music artist, wrote on Instagram, "Dolly, thank you for all the wonderful things you did for us here on earth. Your love, your music and you gave so much with your huge huge heart." McEntire reflected on Parton's unique impact, saying, "There will never ever be another you. We will remember and cherish every memory and every note you ever played and sang." She also shared memories of their first and last conversations, holding them "with love in my heart."
The Jacksons released a statement calling Parton a "true trailblazer" who "opened doors and inspired generations around the world" through her "extraordinary talent, kindness and generosity." They shared a memory of meeting Parton in England in 1977, the same day they met Queen Elizabeth II, expressing gratitude for the "music, the joy and the light" she shared. Their message concluded with prayers for her family and friends, stating, "Your beautiful spirit and remarkable legacy will live on forever."
Khloe Kardashian, a self-proclaimed superfan, described Parton as an "astronomical human being" whose "existence feels almost impossible." Kardashian wrote, "A once-in-a-lifetime soul. A woman whose light, heart, talent and humanity changed this world forever." She reflected on the profound impact of knowing Parton, stating, "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."
Singer Kelly Clarkson noted Parton's ability to make "everyone feel special, and seen, and welcomed, and as if you were old friends." Clarkson will miss "her heart and her voice," acknowledging Parton's "amazing catalogue of art she has left behind for all of us."
Musicians like Jack White, who covered Parton's song "Jolene," and Kristin Chenoweth, who collaborated with Parton on a recording, also shared their grief. Chenoweth called Parton her "ultimate inspiration" and expressed heartbreak over the loss, stating, "The world has lost one of the best but I know we will never forget her because she is impossible to forget. I love you Dolly and I will ALWAYS love you."
The Muppets issued a statement calling Parton "the ultimate singer, songwriter, actress, performer, and philanthropist" who "filled the world with light." Actors Colman Domingo and Octavia Spencer also offered tributes, with Domingo stating Parton "taught us that you can be anything and do anything and to do it with kindness." Spencer described Parton as "a gift to the world" whose warmth made people "feel seen and that the world was a pretty decent place."