It still doesn’t feel real.
Shattering the hearts of the country music world — and the world at large, for that matter — the one and only icon herself and queen of country music, Dolly Parton, passed away today at 80 years old in Nashville, Tennessee.
Of course, it’s hard to understate the impact that Dolly had on the landscape of country music. With 25 #1 hits, 27 gold/platinum certifications from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), 11 #1 albums, 10 Grammy Awards, multiple best-selling books, her own theme park at Dollywood, a lifetime of impactful work through her philanthropy and more, there’s hardly anything that the “9 to 5” singer didn’t accomplish throughout her incredible life.
Dolly is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 59 years Carl Thomas Dean (1942 – 2025), her mother Avie Lee Caroline Owens (1923 – 2003), and father, Robert Lee Parton, Sr. (1921 – 2000). Dolly had been dealing with some major health issues since last year, which she recently updated the public on during a Dollywood announcement last week.
Her team shared the following statement about her death:
“A rhinestone life that shone bright enough for the world to see, Dolly will forever stand as an inspiration not only through her timeless music and prolific songwriting, but also her wit, warmth, and kindness that made us all feel like family.
Dolly Parton’s legacy is one of love, compassion, and resilience. With a seven-decade career, she inspired multiple generations of artists and fans with her music and an unwavering commitment to making the world a better place. Her songs will continue to resonate with people of all ages, and her philanthropic work will have a lasting impact.”
Tributes have been pouring in from the country music world since the news broke. Immediately, the likes of George Strait, Reba McEntire, Blake Shelton, The Red Clay Strays, Kacey Musgraves and more took to social media to share their stories, reflect on her impact and send their condolences to the rest of the Parton family.
As we all continue to process the loss of the American icon, which still doesn’t feel real at this point, even more artists have begun to chime in and share their Dolly stories and prayers.
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”
