Stevie Nicks, the 78-year-old Fleetwood Mac vocalist, has shared a poignant tribute to her late friend and collaborator Dolly Parton, reflecting on their time spent together recording a song for Parton's 2023 album, "Rockstar." Parton died Tuesday at the age of 80 following a brief battle with cancer.
Nicks described the week spent with Parton in Nashville as the "best week ever," detailing it as a "master class" in music where she aimed to absorb the country music icon's knowledge. "Learning from her was easy because she was a really good teacher," Nicks wrote in an Instagram post. "I think she saw me as a really good student; I just tried to listen."
The collaboration, which featured on Parton's "Rockstar" album, was for the track "What Has Rock and Roll Ever Done For You." Nicks recalled Parton's ambition, stating, "She said she could become a rock star ~ and I watched her do it."
Parton's final album, released in November 2023, blended original songs with covers, including collaborations with Sting, Debbie Harry, Ann Wilson, and Elton John. The album featured a rendition of The Police's "Every Breath You Take" with Sting and Blondie's "Heart of Glass" with Debbie Harry.
Following Parton's passing, Nicks shared a handwritten poem dedicated to the singer. The poem read, "So, Dolly, Dolly, Dolly ~ Rock and Roll & Country ~ Carry all those songs with you ~ Right up to heaven ~ Sing your songs to all those you meet. This will be their blessing ... Dolly, how we’ll miss you ... There’ll never be another you ~ And I will always love you. Love Love Love, Stevie."
Nicks' tribute garnered reactions from various figures in the music industry. Sheryl Crow referred to Parton and Nicks as her "two heroes," while the band Garbage called them "Two of the best." Dita Von Teese expressed gratitude to Nicks for her "personal tribute to Dolly."
Previously, Nicks posted a photo of herself and Parton in the recording studio to commemorate Parton's birthday three years ago, captioning it, "Happy birthday to my new friend @DollyParton! Had so much fun singing with you!"
Parton's representatives released a statement on Tuesday, announcing her death and noting that she "spent her life and career bringing joy, laughter, hope and integrity into everything she touched." The statement also highlighted Parton's extensive charitable work, including her Imagination Library and funding for medical research.