Amen.
It’s hard to think of a more universally beloved American than Dolly Parton. The country music legend and American icon passed away today at the age of 80, which is an unthinkable thing to even say right now because it felt like Dolly was an immortal icon who transcended culture and country music to become one of the most beloved figures in America.
Dolly had been dealing with undisclosed health issues for the last year or so, and she previously shared that she was having issues with severe kidney stones.
Aside from that, she understandably didn’t share more, though clearly there were more serious issues going on.
TMZ reports that Dolly was admitted to Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville on Friday morning “with kidney and autoimmune issues:”
“Admitted to Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville on early Friday morning with kidney and autoimmune issues.”
The source also revealed that she passed away in the hospital this morning.
This evening, Dolly’s rep confirmed to People that Dolly’s death sadly followed a “brief battle with cancer,” though the specific kind was not revealed. Dolly had been open about her health struggles over the last several months, though it sounds like the cancer was a more recent development.
According to a statement from her PR team, Dolly passed “surrounded by loved ones”:
“After bravely facing a brief battle with cancer, Dolly departed her Earthly life today at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center surrounded by loved ones.”
Since her shocking passing, tributes to Dolly have been pouring in from around the country music world. And Jelly Roll, who was the guest host on ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ tonight, took time to honor the late country legend.
In a departure from his monologue from last night, in which he took aim at President Donald Trump, the country music star struck a solemn note while honoring the country music icon:
“We lost a legend today, the great Dolly Parton. She was such an inspiration to so many, myself included. We’re both from Tennessee, and she meant a lot to my family. We used to sit around the kitchen table and listen to her music together as a family. I’ll never forget it. I learned so much from Dolly over the years, about songwriting, how to handle this crazy business, and how to support your community.
I want to send my love to East Tennessee and Sevier County right now. I’m representing her. We love you Dolly. We miss you.
She was infinitely talented. She was relentlessly funny, and adored by all. She might be the last American that everyone liked.
We will miss her dearly. Rest in peace, Dolly. We will always love you.”
Of course Jelly Roll is just the latest in a long line of country artists who have paid tribute to the legendary country icon:
Alan Jackson
“They’ll never be another one like you, Dolly Parton! The world won’t forget you. Now go shake up heaven.”
Brad Paisley
“I never imagined this day would come. Getting to know Dolly was life changing, but not just for me. For everyone. She seemed immortal.
And in the spirit of what we sang together on this song, I believe she is. It won’t be the same down here without you Dolly. But what a legacy of goodness and art you leave for all of us.
Goodbye hero. We will always love you.”
Ella Langley
“Dolly, thank you for standing up for yourself as an artist, a songwriter, a musician, a producer, an author, a creative, and most importantly a woman in this industry. You paved the way for so many to be brave. Thank you for being unafraid to show your most authentic self. The world needed Dolly and will never see another like it. The gates of heaven just welcomed home a beautiful soul.”
Tim McGraw
“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.”
Randy Travis
“From our hearts to the throne of glory, we release one of our greatest angels….our butterfly, Dolly.
I’ve been blessed to know many wonderful folks throughout my career in country music; but, none quite like you, Dolly. You had a way of making everyone around you feel most important. Your kindness was genuine, your faith strong, your humor lit up a room, and that beautiful heart of yours was even bigger than the remarkable voice the world fell in love with.
I’ll always be grateful for the memories, the conversations, the laughs, and the goodness you showed me through the years—especially during the chapters of my life when your encouragement meant more than you probably ever knew
You gave country music some of its sweetest memories and most iconic songs; but, you gave the world something greater…yourself. And, you gave it all! Now, it’s your turn to dance with Carl—
Thank you for showing all of us how to carry success with grace and how to use the gifts God gave us to bless others. Your mission to make people happy and lift them up while glorifying God, is complete. You have planted so many trees under whose shade you will never sit… you have made this world a better place. There will never be another you, Dolly.
Rest peaceful, my sweet friend, until we meet again…and, next time, I’ll be sneaking up on you! I will always love you… forever and ever, Amen—
Randy Travis”
Parker McCollum
“I’ll always love you too Dolly!”
Charley Crockett
“Couldn’t find this picture earlier. Dolly is one of maybe 3 names that come up whenever I’m asked the impossible question of who’s your greatest influence? Like so many millions, I’ve know and loved her music my whole life. The sheer size of her body of work is unbelievable. A true humanitarian of the rarest kind. I had the great fortune of meeting Dolly Parton in Grand Prairie, TX before her concert years ago. She told me I looked like a movie star haha. She had her one liners down yall. After seeing her variety show style performance moving across her expansive catalog I was completely mystified at the way she could effortlessly blend old time music and her pop hits, with story telling and solo singer songwriter moments sprinkled in between.
I’ve often been criticized for being a stylistic chameleon, but here was somebody capable of presenting the spectrum of American music in one night for the cost of a ticket. I modeled my show after her from then on. I know she always said 3am was God’s hour and that’s when she liked to write songs. I don’t get up quite that early but I do find right after dawn I’m at my most creative. Dolly, the greatest of all time and the kind of American we can all be proud of. We’ll see you up at the house queen.”
Zac Brown Band/Zac Brown
“She was a real angel long before now. Her faith was number one. There will never be another Dolly Parton.
Pure talent, pure soul, pure love. She lived by example. My wife and I are heartbroken but so blessed to know her heart. Dolly is a national treasure. She sang her heart out on Butterfly, and I will never forget the first time that I heard what she sang on it and how much she loved that song.
Our hearts go out to her family, her team, and all of her friends. I believe she would want us to celebrate her life, be true to who we are, and show each other love and kindness. She loved Jesus and lived like He did, by example. Thank you, Dolly, for all the love and music you put into this world. You will live on in your songs and in all of our hearts.”
Jason Aldean
“Sad to hear of the passing of Dolly Parton today. The term “legend” gets thrown around a lot these days but she really was. An icon to the entire entertainment industry, especially the Country Music family. I had the privilege being around her a few times over the years and she was truly a bright light that shined just a little brighter than anyone else in the room. It’s always sad when one of our heroes passes away, but the beauty in music is that her art will live on forever. Rest easy Dolly and thank you for the contributions you made and the doors you kicked down for all of us that came after you.”
Jon Pardi
“I never got to meet Dolly, but she always sent me kind things. Pictures and books for my daughters. A true American icon and so funny and sweet. Thank you Dolly”
Josh Turner
“Dolly Parton was an American treasure. She never let anything or anyone hold her back and she inspired millions to dream big. She was always full of energy and love and positivity. I got to meet Dolly a few times throughout my career but most memorably was on the day that my wife Jennifer and I got engaged. We went to Shania Twain’s record release party. Jennifer was showing off her ring to several people and one of those was Dolly. Dolly “oohed and ahhhed” over the ring and just complimented Jennifer and me on it and made Jennifer feel so special that night. She will be missed. We love you, Dolly Parton! And thank you for your contributions to country music!”
Ashley McBryde
“Dolly we thank you. For absolutely everything.”
Shane Smith & the Saints
“Absolute legend “
Elizabeth Nichols
“I had the privilege of honoring Ms Dolly Parton for her 80th birthday at the Opry this year. She gifted everyone a bottle of wine and a cook book. I don’t drink and I don’t cook. Still my most valued possessions. There will never be another Dolly Parton. Thank you for the songs”
Reba McEntire
“Well, I just got the news that my buddy Dolly passed onto the higher and greater side. Dolly, thank you for all the wonderful things you did for us here on earth. Your love, your music and you gave so much with your huge huge heart. There will never ever be another you. We will remember and cherish every memory and every note you ever played and sang. Thank you, Lord, for Dolly. She’s gonna have a blast in heaven singing all her favorite songs with all her family and friends who have gone on before her. I’ll never forget the first time I met you and I’ll never forget our last conversation. I hold it with love in my heart. I will always love you,
Reba.”
George Strait
“You’ve had such a huge impact on so many people all over the world, Dolly Parton. We will all miss you. May God bless the Parton family.”
Red Clay Strays
“We have a bridge back home that you cross on I65 right before you get into Mobile, nicknamed the ‘Dolly Parton’ bridge. Dolly always reminded us of gettin’ home after a long run. She went home today; one of the most influential writers and performers of our time. RIP Dolly.”
Kacey Musgraves
“Dolly… this really really hurts. The world feels a lot less sparkly all of the sudden. So glad she’s with her Carl Dean. No one talk to me today.”
Maren Morris
“There will never be another. Dolly Parton was who we could all agree on. She was and is such a light.”
Charley Crockett
“Thanks for everything Dolly Parton.”
Pecos & The Rooftops
“Devastating news. Thank you for pouring your life into songwriting and making music for us. RIP to a one of a kind legend.”
Charles Wesley Godwin
“Rest in peace Dolly.”
Treaty Oak Revival
“RIP Dolly.”
Big & Rich
Jamey Johnson
“In the sweet by and by, we shall meet on that beautiful shore.”
Mark Wystrach of Midland
“Grateful to have gotten to spend some time with you and tell you how much your music meant to My Mom, My Siblings and Me growing up. Thank you for the music. Rest in peace Dolly. “Eagle When She Flies” was the song that got my Mom thru losing her Mom. It was their favorite song that they shared as an unspoken pact.”
Willow Avalon
“I don’t think I’ll ever be able to put into words how much Dolly meant to me, but I’m going to try. I grew up listening to her songbird voice, learning from her soft but firm writing, her beautiful sass and her undeniable charisma. She was a woman who knew what love really meant and she showed that in the many ways she poured her heart into charity and helping out where she could. She is an icon who can never be replaced. I’ve watched the women in my family ( and the men) all light up when her songs came on. She was universally loved.
As a little girl I wanted to be just like her, the bigger the hair the better, the more sparkles the better and I can say she was a huge part of my music and my songs. I think that’s evident given the fact I wrote a song about all the ways I thought we were alike and apologizing from Jolene’s point of view. She fostered creativity in people and showed people what true talent looked like.
I’m forever grateful for her gift to this world and her gift to me. Which was her music finding its way to the ears of a little girl with big big dreams. And continuously being a stand up role model for girls like me. She will never be forgotten and she will be that role model for generations to come. I love you Dolly. You are soo loved. Rest easy knowing all the good and light you’ve brought into this dark world.”
Billy Strings
“Beautiful angel on Earth, beautiful angel in heaven. She graced the world and now she’s gone on to take her spot in the angel band. I only wish I could hear the sound. Thank you Dolly. We will always love you.”
Blake Shelton
“I can say with absolute certainty that we are all feeling the same heart brokenness today. I only got to spend any real time with Dolly when Gwen and I got to work with her on The Voice. I want everyone to know that she was the EXACT person that you think she is. It was like being with the funnest, most loving, most caring and closest member of your family. Truly a loss for the entire world. We love you Dolly.”
Paul Cauthen
“RIP you beautiful legend. God bless you and your family.”
Even…
Wheeler Walker Jr.
“Rest in peace to one of the best to ever do it.”
The “Queen of Country Music” certainly left an impact that will resonate through country music for the rest of time.
It is truly impossible to sum up everything Dolly has done and what she means to this world beyond just her music, but the family summed it up beautifully with this additional statement after her passing:
“Dolly Parton’s life is a testament to dreaming big, believing in yourself, and lifting up others. Beyond her musical achievements, Dolly Parton was a trailblazer for artists in the entertainment industry. She broke barriers and defied expectations, becoming one of the most successful and influential singer-songwriters of all time.”
At Dolly’s request, a small, private service will be held for immediate family. Dolly’s fans and friends from around the world are encouraged to pay tribute to Dolly on social media by tagging “@DollyParton” or by leaving a message at www.dollyparton.com. In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations to be made to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library at www.imaginationlibrary.com, the charity she started in honor of her father, who never learned to read or write but as she put it, was one of the smartest men she ever knew.
RIP Dolly Parton.
