Reese Witherspoon has shared personal reflections on her friendship with Dolly Parton, who died at age 80 following a private battle with cancer. Witherspoon described Parton as a guiding force, particularly in her preparation for portraying June Carter Cash in the 2005 film "Walk the Line."
Parton, a personal acquaintance of June Carter and Johnny Cash, offered Witherspoon insights into Carter's charm and storytelling. "When I was playing June Carter Cash in Walk the Line, she took me to dinner and told me stories of how June Carter charmed everyone in country music," Witherspoon wrote on Instagram. "Dolly gave me the courage to put my whole spirit into that performance and made me see how lucky I was to be a storyteller."
Throughout Witherspoon's career, Parton sent notes of encouragement, urging her to "be the light in people’s lives and listen to my angels." Parton often signed these messages with "I will always love you," a nod to her iconic 1973 song.
Witherspoon recounted a childhood memory of aspiring to be like Parton. "My PE teacher said to me: 'Reesie, what do you wanna be when you grow up?' And I said: 'I'm gonna be Dolly Parton!'" Witherspoon recalled. "And I meant it. I did not even blink. ... And she's from Tennessee, and if she can do it then I can do it."
When Witherspoon launched her production company, Hello Sunshine, in 2016 with a focus on female-centric projects, she visited Parton, who offered her support and encouragement.
Parton's passing was confirmed by her nephew, Bryan Seaver, who stated she died on Tuesday. The country music legend will be buried beside her husband, Carl Dean, who died in March 2025, at Woodlawn Memorial Park and Mausoleum in Nashville. Seaver mentioned Parton will be interred in a cotton dress and her signature high heels.
Parton, often called the Queen of Country, had a career spanning six decades and was known for hits like "Jolene" and "9 to 5." In an interview shortly before her death, she expressed a desire to achieve more and continue working despite recent health issues she had been managing while caring for her husband.