Dolly Parton was an American treasure. No, more than that. She was a global treasure.
The love she poured into this world was pure, of golden heart, and vast. And now she’s gone.
The world is mourning.
News broke on Tuesday of the Jolene singer’s passing at age 80 via family video statement. Fans knew she had been dealing with health issues, but we all just hoped she would live forever.
Global icon and humanitarian, Dolly Parton, known to the world as a beloved singer, songwriter, philanthropist, actress, playwright, and author died peacefully today in Nashville, Tennessee. She was 80 years old.
Dolly is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 59 years… pic.twitter.com/sBdu2Ssof9
— Dolly Parton (@DollyParton) August 25, 2026
She wasn’t just a great artist. She was a great person. Always championing for good causes — and always putting her money behind her words, too.
It didn’t take long for fellow celebrities across all industries (music, film, the influencer-sphere, and more) to share their thoughts with social media. See some of their tributes, via X (Twitter) below:
“The world feels a lot less sparkly all of a sudden. So glad she’s with her Carl Dean. No one talk to me today.” – Kacey Musgraves
“Heartbroken to hear about Queen @DollyParton’s passing. She was a true icon and such an inspiration to me. Her talent, heart and kindness touched so many lives, and she truly left this world better than she found it. Sending all my love to her family, friends and everyone who loved her. Rest in peace, Dolly” – Paris Hilton
“I cannot believe the world has lost @DollyParton OMG. I loved Dolly. Everyone loved Dolly!: – Boy George
“One of the joys of my job was to work with Dolly on Forever Country. In a video stacked with icons, she stood above all. I started directing her and she gave me a look – easy, I got this. And she did. RIP to a true legend.” – Joseph Kahn
“Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library gifted more than 332,000,000 books since it was first created 31 years ago.” – Kyle Griffin
“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.” – Henry Winkler
“Rip Legend. We saw her in concert at the Hollywood Bowl a few years ago. She was so delightful and funny, and had a voice that could break hearts! Somehow you wanted to believe that Dolly would always be forever young, and never leave us.” – Jennifer Tilly
“One of my greatest honors was interviewing this beautiful woman. Tell Carl hello. Rest now, Ms. Parton. Your work here is done.” – Loni Love
“dolly made earth better” – Tyler Oakley
“Devastating” – Kevin McHale
“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” – Reba McEntire
“Dolly Parton was an absolute American icon and legend. Singular in her impact, love, talent, music, kindness, passion and strength. There never was nor ever will be another like her. There are almost no words to express what a loss this is for America, she was one of the few people who had the ability to unite and truly bring everyone together through her music art, light and spirit. On a personal note she is hands down the kindest, warmest, friendliest celebrity I had the pleasure of ever meeting. When people ask me the highlight of working at The View, I always say meeting Dolly Parton. Her famous quote ~ “The way I see it if you want the rainbow, you’ve got to put up with the rain” has helped me through many tough moments and grief in life. I am deeply saddened by this news just being a huge fan. We love you forever Dolly.” – Meghan McCain
“The news of Dolly Parton’s passing is devastating. I had the extraordinary experience of working with her on The Orville, and it was a joy to discover that she really was exactly the person we all hoped she was. Her kindness, generosity, and authenticity were evident from moment one, and the benign yet assured command she maintained over her empire was obvious from the genuine love and trust you could see from everyone who worked for her. The world is a dimmer place today without her.” – Seth MacFarlane
“Like the rest of the world, I’m immediately heartbroken. I met Dolly on several occasions and she always made me feel like one of her own. She even agreed to sing with me on one of my records. My ultimate inspiration. The world has lost one of the best but I know we will never forget her because she is impossible to forget. I love you Dolly and I will ALWAYS love you.” – Kristin Chenoweth
“A light has gone out in the world. A light we need now more than ever. How can this even be??? Not Dolly!!! Not beautiful brilliant Dolly!!!!! I found this picture of Dolly and my Mom Flora when I was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2021. She was excited for me but I think a lot more excited to meet Dolly! Im so honored that I got to work with her, and will always cherish that. What a sad sad day not just for the world of music, but for the world. We will always love You.” – Diane Warren
Beloved would be an understatement.
We will continue updating this post as more reactions come in, so be sure to keep checking back.
Give your loved ones an extra hug today, and remember what Dolly’s nephew said: She will always love you.
