Dolly Parton remembered: Celebrities pay tribute to country music icon
Celebrities have taken to social media to pay tribute to global icon Dolly Parton, who passed away at the age of 80 after a battle with cancer.
Tributes from fans all over the world, as well as scores of celebrities, have flooded social media following the passing of the legendary singer, songwriter, actress and philanthropist, Dolly Parton.
The country star died on Tuesday, 25 August, after battling with cancer. The 'Jolene' and 'I Will Always Love You' hitmaker leaves behind a legacy that stretches across generations.
For more than seven decades, Parton entertained audiences with her music while also becoming known for her generosity and philanthropic work.
The announcement of her death was shared by her nephew Bryan Seaver on social media.
"This video announcement is something Dolly asked of me years ago, before I fully absorbed it as a future reality," he said in the emotional video.
"As her head of security for more than two decades, a role my father Larry held before me, I have imagined the heaviness of this moment, but haven't truly felt it until now.
"It is an honour, an honour that is mixed with absolute pride and great sadness. But sadness lies with us, not with Dolly.
"Dolly has lived in the light and is in the arms of Jesus, surely met by Carl, her parents, and countless others who have watched her and longed for her to meet them in the heavens."
Seaver also reflected on the impact Parton had on her family and people around the world.
"Dolly also opened doors for generations of singers, songwriters, musicians, and dreamers from every walk of life and across every continent. By her example, we believed that anything was possible. She never saw a door she couldn't open, and the door she opened made and changed history."
He went on to describe Parton as a farmer, just like her father.
"Dolly was a farmer, just like her daddy. He farmed the soil. She farmed songs and happiness."
Seaver added that the family and team entrusted with Parton’s legacy had worked to ensure that her spirit would live on.
Parton’s influence has certainly stretched far beyond her music. She launched her own theme park, Dollywood, in Tennessee in 1986 and was also behind the Imagination Library, which has provided millions of books to children.
Celebrities remembering a legend
Among the many stars paying tribute was former US President Barack Obama.
"It's hard to imagine many people having a bigger impact than Dolly Parton. Born in a one-room cabin, she earned 11 Grammys and an Emmy, built a business empire, helped millions of kids learn to read and helped accelerate research that contributed to the Moderna COVID vaccine. What a life," Obama shared on Instagram Stories.
Media mogul Oprah Winfrey also shared a heartfelt message.
"One of my fondest memories with Dolly Parton: Having a hoot and a holler while wearing Bob Mackie gowns on her show Dolly.
"This girl from the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee dreamed a life and then lived a life bigger than she could have ever imagined, giving so generously to others in ways we saw and ways we didn't.
"No one like her. She brought the light, and we are all better because she was here."
She ended her message with, "God bless you, Dolly - you earned your wings."
Singer Elton John said he was "shocked and devastated" by the news.
"A giant of an artist — unique and irreplaceable, with the kindest heart," he wrote on Instagram Stories.
Beatles legend Sir Paul McCartney admitted it was difficult to imagine a world without Parton.
"The magnificent star Dolly Parton has died, and it is so sad. She was such a wonderful woman. I first met her in Nashville at the Grand Ole Opry, where she had been playing with the country star Porter Wagoner and was about to start her solo career. She was so bubbly and full of life, it is difficult to take in the news that she has passed.
"Her songwriting, her singing and her philanthropy were unrivalled in the world of country music, and it is hard to imagine living in a world without Dolly," he wrote on Instagram.
He also spoke about collaborating with Dolly on the song, 'Let It Be'.
"She was a very clever businesswoman [sic] who understood the value of her music and, most importantly, the effect that she had on the people of the world. There was no greater honour for me than to have her sing my song Let It Be and, even though I only made a small contribution to it, I am so honoured that she did it. I am so proud to have known her and admire her unique talents.
"Thanks, Dolly, for the beautiful music you gave me and the whole world. We will always love you. God bless and rest in peace. You were the best."
Singer Sabrina Carpenter, who collaborated with Parton in recent years, shared an emotional tribute on Instagram.
"The only thing I could say after we first met was 'she really is an angel walking the earth'
"I will cherish our laughter and conversations, and I will keep your wisdom, your playful outlook on life, and perfect sense of humour in my pocket for the rainy days.
"There will never be another you, and how lucky are we all to have experienced your singular magic as well as your once-in-a-lifetime voice, songs and heart.
"Your light will be something the world will search forever to find again."
Jimmy Fallon remembered the fond memories he created with Dolly.
"I was lucky enough to know and work with the one and only Dolly Parton," he wrote on Facebook.
"We did duets together, laughed together and danced through Dollywood in the Smoky Mountains of Pigeon Forge. And even though we did all that, I would still get butterflies just being in her presence," he added.
Musician Billy Ray Cyrus says he grew up loving the music icon.
"I have so many moments and memories with Dolly Parton, it's hard to know where to start. Like every little boy, I grew up loving Dolly Parton. She was a part of our lives, on our TV's, right in our living rooms."
He spoke about the time the two of them were accused of having an affair.
"In 1992, I’ll never forget walking into her dressing room to apologise for all the tabloid stories which claimed I was having an affair with her. In true Dolly fashion, she just looked at me, winked and said, "Honey, this trash sells records!"
He ended his tribute by stating how much he loved Dolly.
"Dolly recently sent me a beautiful message, telling me she loved me with her whole heart. I will always love her in the same way… with my whole heart… and I always will."
Tim McGraw said after hearing the news of the passing, he hasn't stopped crying.
"She was an icon and showed us all what was possible, not only as a human but as an entertainer. She was the blueprint, head and shoulders above anyone that came before her and all those of us that have come after. Everything she did, she did it with kindness, grace and that famous wit and smile. It’s been hard to not be in tears all day. There will never be another Dolly Parton."
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