Dozens Of Country Artists Honor Dolly Parton With Poignant Online Tributes
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Countless country stars took to social media to mourn the loss of one of the greatest voices to ever grace the genre, Dolly Parton.
Dolly Parton Passed Away On August 25, 2026
Dolly Parton’s family issued a statement announcing her passing through a video message given by her nephew Bryan Seaver, who said, “I am representing the Parton and Owens family today announcing the passing of my aunt, Dolly Rebecca Parton Dean. Sister, sis, Aunt Granny to one generation and Gigi to the next.”
He revealed that his aunt asked him many years ago to be the one to announce her passing. The two were close, as he served as her head of security for two decades.
Seaver said that Dolly was surely “in the arms of Jesus” and her beloved husband of 59 years, Carl Dean, who passed away in 2025.
See his full announcement below.
Country Artists Mourn The Loss Of Dolly Parton
Countless country artists consider Dolly a hero, so her passing has hit many of them very hard.
Reba McEntire, who has known Dolly for decades, took to social media to release a heartfelt statement:
“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.”
See her tribute below.
Blake Shelton included a photo of Dolly sitting in his Voice chair many years ago, while paying tribute to the legend, “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.”
Maren Morris shared a video of Dolly singing “Eagle When She Flies” with her, Brandi Carlile, Amanda Shires, and Natalie Hemby backstage at an awards show. Maren wrote, “There will never be another. @dollyparton was who we could all agree on. she was and is such a light.”
George Strait took to Instagram Stories to say, “You’ve had such a huge impact on so many people all over the world, @dollyparton. We will all miss you. May God bless the Parton family.”
For some, formulating words might just be too much.
Lainey Wilson mourned Dolly by simply sharing a photo of them hugging on her Instagram Story.
The popular country radio show, the Bobby Bones Show, wrote, “Our hearts are [broken.] We just learned the world lost Dolly Parton today. There aren’t enough words for what she gave the world, the songs, the generosity, the way she made everyone feel seen. She wasn’t just a country music icon, she was one of a kind, and she leaves the world brighter than she found it. Thank you for everything, Dolly. Forever a legend.”
Carly Pearce wrote, “I’ve said often in my life, “What will the world be without Dolly?” From the time I was a little girl, I wanted to be just like her. At 15 years old, my family uprooted their lives so I could start chasing my dreams, working in the country show at Dollywood. Since then, I’ve had the privilege of not only working with Dolly, but getting to know her. She was exactly who we all hoped she would be — kind, funny, gracious, and one of a kind. Heaven got a whole lot sassier, funnier, and brighter today. I will do my part as a woman in country music to continue carrying the light she shined so brightly for all of us. I love you, Dolly.”
Kelly Clarkson, who collaborated with the legend several times, released a statement on social media, saying, “Dolly Parton had a way of making everyone feel special, and seen, and welcomed, and as if you were old friends. I will miss her heart and her voice as I am sure millions will. What an incredible gift and talent she was and still is with an amazing catalogue of art she has left behind for all of us.”
George Jones’ team shared a photo of the two late legends together, writing, “We hope you’re rockin’ together.”
Brad Paisley honored Dolly by sharing a clip from their music video for “When I Get Where I’m Going,” alongside the emotional tribute:
“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.”
Kimberly Williams-Paisley told the story of when she first met Dolly when she recorded a song with her husband, and another of when they worked together on the legend’s Heartstrings series on Netflix. See Kimberly’s tribute below.
Bill Anderson’s tribute made us teary-eyed as he revealed that lat thing Dolly ever said to him.
“The last thing Dolly Parton said to me was, ‘Bill Anderson – I will Always Love You,’ she was looking me in the eye from the giant video screen in the the Grand Ole Opry House on the occasion of my 65th Opry Anniversary a few weeks ago. She was smiling as only Dolly could, making my night even more special than it already was. The news of her passing has rocked my world, but as we sang together back in 2023, ‘Someday It’ll All Make Sense’.”
See more reactions from country singers below.
While this person isn’t a country singer, she was an important part of Parton’s life. Actress Alyvia Alyn Lind played a young Dolly in the Coat of Many Colors movies.
“I am truly at a loss for words. There are some people who come into your life and leave a mark that can never be erased. Dolly was one of those people.
I will forever be grateful that I had the privilege of knowing her, learning from her, and carrying a piece of her with me through such an important and formative part of my childhood,” she wrote. “Getting to play Dolly changed my life, but getting to know her changed my heart. Memories, lessons, laughter, and a light that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. The world will never be the same without her, but that light will live on in all of us who were lucky enough to experience it. Thank you for believing in me, for teaching me, for letting me be a small part of your story, and for being such a meaningful part of mine. Rest peacefully, Dolly. You will be missed more than words can ever say. Thank you for everything.”
Jennifer Nettles player Dolly’s beloved mother in the movies. She shared a black and white image of Dolly, writing, “The world is a better place because of Dolly Parton. She was a singing, dazzling, rhinestone example of what it means to be giving, kind, generous, gracious, and loving. She leaves us an artistic legacy that will never even remotely be rivaled, and moreover, she showed us what it means to be a leader of culture and an ally to those who need it most. And she did it all with a twinkle in her eye. Our hearts are broken at losing such a light. The stars will sparkle brighter tonight with her spirit. Thank you Dolly. For everything.”
Willie Nelson shared a video of the two singing sweetly together many years ago.
See more country music tributes below.
Dolly Parton was not only the Queen of Country Music, she was an icon in every form of entertainment.
Sally Field, who starred alongside Dolly in Steel Magnolias, wrote, “If there are truly angels on earth, then we have just lost one. Dolly Parton. There will never be another. I adored her with all my heart and will always cherish our time together. Forever. Rest in peace beautiful Dolly.”
Her 9 to 5 co-star Lily Tomlin simply wrote, “No words…”
The third to their 9 to 5 trio, Jane Fonda, wrote a heartfelt tribute on social media. See the entire post below.
“I’m devastated. Truly,” her Joyful Noise co-star Keke Palmer wrote on Instagram
Megan Hilty, who portrayed Dolly Parton’s 9 to 5 character in the Broadway musical, honored the legend as well.
Actor James Woods shared a photo of them together alongside the caption, “Heaven has found its voice. Rest in His arms, angel.”
Acting legend Henry Winkler said, “What a sad day for America what a sad day for the world what a sad day for the pardon family. Dolly! We will miss you in more ways than one can say you were a treasure on this earth.”
Derek Hough worked with her once, and shared a photo of the together, writing, “Heartbroken to hear about the passing of Dolly Parton. She was an absolute icon, a true legend not just for her music, but for her spirit, her kindness, her joy, her light.
I was lucky enough to share the stage with her, something I will never take for granted. Her music and the way she made people feel will live on forever. Sending love to all she touched. Thank you, Dolly. You will never be forgotten.”
Actor and director Elizabeth Bank shared her thoughts on Instagram in a video. See it below.
Comedian and Grand Ole Opry member Henry Cho remembered her by saying, “We lost an icon today. RIP sweet lady. Always an honor to be around. Blessed to know you Dolly.”
Bravo’s Andy Cohen said, “We were all so lucky to live in her midst and get to experience her music, kindness, and joy.”
See other tributes below.
Our hearts go out to all who loved Dolly.
