Shirley MacLaine, 92, was seen in Malibu on Friday, marking her first public appearance since the death of her "Steel Magnolias" co-star Dolly Parton. Parton, the celebrated country music artist, died on Tuesday at the age of 80 after a brief battle with cancer.
MacLaine was photographed dressed casually in sweatpants and a T-shirt, accessorized with gold jewelry. Her hair was styled in a pixie cut. Following Parton's death, MacLaine shared a brief tribute, stating, "God sent her to us, and she has returned home."
"Steel Magnolias," released in 1989, followed a group of women in the South who supported each other through life's challenges. The film starred MacLaine, Dolly Parton as hairstylist Truvy Jones, Sally Field as M'Lynn Eatenton, and Julia Roberts as her daughter Shelby. Other cast members included Daryl Hannah, Olympia Dukakis, Tom Skerritt, and Sam Shepard.
Parton's death was announced by her nephew, Bryan Seaver, who also served as her head of security. Seaver confirmed that Parton passed away after being admitted to Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville with autoimmune and kidney problems. In a video announcement, Seaver said his aunt "lived in the light" and has now joined her late husband, Carl Dean, her parents, and "countless others" in heaven.
Sally Field, 79, also paid tribute to Parton on Instagram, sharing a cast photo from the film and writing, "If there are truly angels on earth, then we have just lost one. Dolly Parton. There will never be another. I adored her with all my heart and will always cherish our time together. Forever. Rest in peace beautiful Dolly."
Parton, known for hits such as "Jolene" and "9 to 5," had a music career spanning six decades. Her recent months were impacted by health issues that led to the cancellation of several public appearances. She had previously expressed to People magazine her desire to achieve more goals, including the launch of a new hotel and museum in Nashville.