Dolly Parton’s death has prompted an extraordinary outpouring from musicians, actors, broadcasters and public figures across generations. Taylor Swift and Eminem each reflected on personal connections with the country icon, while Beyoncé, Paul McCartney, Elton John and Oprah Winfrey also remembered an artist whose influence reached well beyond one genre.
Dolly Parton receives star-studded tributes from Taylor Swift, Eminem and more
Taylor Swift, who began her career in country music, shared her tribute Tuesday, calling Parton “true grace and true grit, all in one dazzling person.” She also thanked her for the songs that touched listeners and the millions of books distributed through her Imagination Library (via The Hollywood Reporter).
Eminem offered a different kind of remembrance. Although the pair never met, Parton once sent him a congratulatory note after his Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction. “Even for a kid who mostly listened to rap music, she was an icon,” he wrote while sharing the letter. He posted the tribute on social media, recalling how much her unexpected kindness meant to him.
Beyoncé also honored Parton, describing her as a “barometer” and “north star.” The tribute carried particular resonance after Beyoncé included her version of “Jolene” on the 2024 country album Cowboy Carter.
Sabrina Carpenter and Billy Ray Cyrus likewise celebrated the singer, with Carpenter remembering Parton as an “angel walking the earth.” Cyrus wrote, “Like every little boy, I grew up loving Dolly Parton.”
Parton’s longtime peers added their own memories. McCartney called her a “magnificent star,” while Elton John described her as a “giant of an artist” with an “irreplaceable” place in music. Oprah Winfrey recalled laughing with Parton while wearing Bob Mackie gowns on Dolly. Reba McEntire thanked her for giving so much “with your huge huge heart” and insisted, “There will never ever be another you.”
The tributes also crossed into Hollywood and politics. Melissa Etheridge, Barack Obama, Rod Stewart, Mick Jagger, Cyndi Lauper, Gloria Estefan, Seth MacFarlane and Keke Palmer all shared memories or condolences.
Parton died Tuesday at 80 after a “brief battle with cancer.”
Originally reported by Rishabh Shandilya on ComingSoon.
