Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock paid tribute to the late Dolly Parton at the "Practical Magic 2" premiere in London on Wednesday night. The actresses shared fond words about the singer, whose death was announced Tuesday following a brief battle with cancer.
Bullock, who worked with Parton on the 2005 film "Miss Congeniality 2," where Parton made a cameo, reflected on her former co-star's impact. "She's so many things, and everyone's honouring the most exquisite part of her," Bullock said. "But she was someone that was absolutely underrated. And only in her absence does everyone realize how brilliant she was and how much we need her. And there's no one else left like her."
Kidman described Parton as "one of a kind" and "an extraordinary light." "Dolly was a light. She was one of a kind. And there'll be nobody like that," Kidman said. "Never has been and probably never will be again. So we all bow and we hold her. And as she would have wanted, she's held in the most extraordinary light with just absolute love. She was love personified. So we love you, Dolly."
Parton's representatives confirmed her death to People, stating she died following a brief battle with cancer. Her representatives also highlighted her "unmatched generosity," noting her work with the Imagination Library and her funding of research that contributed to a lifesaving vaccine.
Those close to Parton said she had become increasingly private about her health in recent months. Despite her illness, she remained optimistic and drew strength from her Christian faith. "From the time that Dolly Parton was born, she was surrounded by faith, by God, by Jesus," a source told People. "And so it's natural for people of faith to believe that God is in control."
Parton, who previously said prayer was her salvation, died at the age of 80. Her public life was marked by her music, philanthropy, and a deep connection with her fans worldwide.