Dolly Parton will be remembered for her legacy of “great music that people will treasure forever”, Andy Burnham has said. Speaking to reporters at a supermarket in London, the Prime Minister said: “I was a huge fan of what Dolly did around literacy around the world.”
Political and musical tributes
Burnham, who was culture secretary when Parton’s Imagination Library first came through, added: “I was culture secretary when her libraries were first coming through and the books that went into communities across Britain. What a legacy to leave. It was so moving to hear about her dad and how that experience made her want to give back so much.”
Sir Paul McCartney described Parton as a “magnificent star” who he met at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee, country music’s most well-known venue. He said in a social media post: “Her songwriting, her singing and her philanthropy were unrivaled in the world of country music and it is hard to imagine living in a world without Dolly.”
Stars share memories
Eminem called Parton a “superstar” and shared a heartfelt letter she wrote to him after they were both inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2022. The rapper wrote: “I’m sorry we never got a chance to meet, but getting this note from Dolly really had an impact on me. She definitely didn’t have to take the time to do it.”
Sir Elton John shared a photo of the pair on stage together and wrote: “Shocked and devastated to hear of Dolly’s passing. A giant of an artist – unique and irreplaceable, with the kindest heart.” Joan Collins posted a photo of her and Parton together and wrote: “Goodbye to a true icon of music – darling.”
Popstar Sabrina Carpenter said in a post on Instagram: “I will cherish our laughter and conversations and I will keep your wisdom, your playful outlook on life, and perfect sense of humor in my pocket for the rainy days. There will never be another you and how lucky are we all to have experienced your singular magic as well as your once in a lifetime voice, songs, and heart.”
Literacy and legacy
JK Rowling wrote: “Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library was the best contribution to child literacy ever made by a celebrity. Our paths crossed once, in the 90s, backstage at a talk show, and I was completely tongue-tied and starstruck. RIP Dolly. You were a complete, irreplaceable one-off.”
Priscilla Presley noted the special place Parton’s song I Will Always Love You held for her, while actress Julia Roberts paid tribute to her Steel Magnolias co-star, telling Page Six: “Dolly was a magical and joyous human. I hold knowing her as a treasure in my life. The sun has dimmed today.”
Former US president Barack Obama said it was “hard to imagine many people having a bigger impact than Dolly Parton”. He wrote on X: “Born in a one-room cabin, she earned 11 Grammys and an Emmy, built a business empire, helped millions of kids learn to read, and — as if that wasn’t enough — helped accelerate the research that led to the Moderna COVID vaccine.”
Former president Joe Biden called Parton an “American original”, and former First Lady Hillary Clinton wrote: “Dolly Parton did all the good she could, for all the people she could, for as long as ever she could. From her legendary songwriting to the Imagination Library – which sent 1 million books a month to children across the country – she was the best of America.”
