Beyoncé, Eminem and More Pay Tribute to Dolly Parton
The country music icon died on August 25 at age 80 after a brief battle with cancer.
American singer, songwriter and actress Dolly Parton, performs with a guitar, 1976.
Photo by David Redfern/Redferns.
Country music icon Dolly Parton’s death has sparked an outpouring of grief and loving tributes for the legendary singer and actress. According to a statement from her representatives, Parton died in Nashville, Tennessee on Tuesday, Aug. 25, at the age of 80 following a brief cancer battle. The type of cancer has not been made public.
“Our beloved Dolly Parton spent her life and career bringing joy, laughter, hope and integrity into everything she touched. Her unmatched generosity reached the lives of countless people whom she would never meet, yet she was always there to offer a helping hand,” the family statement reads. “Whether it be the hundreds of millions of books donated through her invaluable Imagination Library or funding research that helped create a lifesaving vaccine used around the world, Dolly’s unconditional love for all people was the guiding force for her lasting impact. After bravely facing a brief battle with cancer, Dolly departed her Earthly life today at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center surrounded by loved ones.”
Just days before her death, Parton herself acknowledged her recent health decline.
“As I’ve shared in video messages throughout the past year, I am dealing with some health issues that I just didn’t pay attention to when I was watching over [my husband] Carl. You know, this isn’t the first time I’ve had to manage something like this. Back in the early ’80s, I was down for several months with female issues, and I was struggling with my weight at the time too, so it’s not like I haven’t been through hard times with my health,” Parton told PEOPLE.
Parton was a truly beloved figure over the course of her seven-decade career. Stars like Beyoncé, Eminem, Dionne Warwick, Flavor Flav and so many more stopped to pay homage to the Queen of Country.
“Dolly, you were the barometer. The North Star. Bold and brilliant,” Beyoncé posted on her website, alongside a photo of Dolly. “Talented and tenacious. You taught so many lessons on how to be uniquely oneself. I am grateful for your art, your heart, your generosity, your humor, your entrepreneurship. I’m honored that I had the privilege to work with you. I will treasure that forever. Thank you for your profound impact on the world. You are an angel who has made this world a happier place because of your joyful art. You are truly one of one. Rest peacefully.”
You can see more tributes to Dolly Parton and her tremendous legacy below.
Eminem
Dionne Warwick
Flavor Flav
Keke Palmer
Oprah
Dolly Parton
Subscribe to Okayplayer newsletters and get more music and culture news delivered directly to your inbox. Join here.
