Country music icon Dolly Parton died Tuesday in Nashville at the age of 80, prompting widespread tributes to her life and career. Among those paying respects was Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning, who shared a personal connection with Parton due to their shared ties to Tennessee.
Manning, who played college football at the University of Tennessee, posted a remembrance on Instagram, calling Parton "one of a kind" and expressing gratitude for having known her. "We’ll miss you, Dolly. Tennessee won’t be the same without her!" he wrote.
The photo accompanying Manning's post captured a memorable moment on November 18, 2023, when Parton performed the University of Tennessee's signature song, "Rocky Top," at Neyland Stadium. Parton, an East Tennessee native, expressed that the crowd's roar made it difficult to hear herself sing during the performance.
Parton's engagement with sports extended beyond appearances at Volunteers games. Just days after her Knoxville performance, she entertained crowds at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, during the 2023 Thanksgiving halftime show. At 77, she donned a custom bedazzled Dallas Cowboys cheerleader outfit and performed hits including "Jolene" and "9 to 5," also incorporating Queen's "We Are The Champions."
"Well at my age, if I can pull it off, it’s going to be good," Parton told USA TODAY prior to the Thanksgiving performance, admitting she was nervous but driven by a desire to perform. "And if I don’t, I can just pass it off as an old woman doing a stupid thing. I’ve always said my desire to do something is greater than my fear of it."
Parton's death followed months of battling an undisclosed health issue. Her nephew, Brin Seaver, confirmed the news in an Instagram video. Throughout her career, Parton was recognized not only as a country music artist but also as an actress, philanthropist, businesswoman, and humanitarian.
Her numerous accolades include 11 Grammy Awards, three Emmy Awards, and the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award. She also received nominations for six Golden Globe Awards, a Tony Award, and two Academy Awards. Parton was married to Carl Dean for nearly 60 years, though their relationship largely remained private. Dean passed away in March 2025.
A private service for immediate family has been planned. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.