Sir Paul McCartney has shared an emotional tribute to Dolly Parton following the country singer's death at the age of 80. The news was announced by her nephew Bryan Seaver on Tuesday (August 25). Tributes have flooded in from across the music industry and beyond.
The Beatles legend led the stream of loving messages, reflecting on special memories he shared with the Jolene singer.
McCartney recalls first meeting
Sharing a black and white photo of himself with Dolly's family, the 84-year-old said: "The magnificent star Dolly Parton has died and it is so sad. She was such a wonderful woman.
"I first met her in Nashville at the Grand Ole Opry where she had been playing with the country star Porter Wagoner and was about to start her solo career. She was so bubbly and full of life it is difficult to take in the news that she has passed."
"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."
'She was a very clever business woman'
"She was a very clever business woman who understood the value of her music and, most importantly, the effect that she had on the people of the world.
"There was no greater honour for me than to have her sing my song Let It Be and, even though I only made a small contribution to it, I am so honoured that she did it. I am so proud to have known her and admire her unique talents."
He added: "Thanks Dolly for the beautiful music you gave me and the whole world. We will always love you, god bless and rest in peace. You were the best."
Fans react to tribute
The post was liked by almost 400,000 people. Taking to the comments, one fan wrote: "Beautiful words for Dolly. Thanks Paul" with red love heart emojis. Another said: "Beautiful. Well said, Sir Paul." A third added: "She was a legend! Very similarly to the Beatles she embodied love, peace and loving everyone. She was such a great ambassador for country music!"
Dolly was best known for her genre-defining hits including 9 To 5, I Will Always Love You and Jolene.
Nephew announces death
Her nephew, Bryan Seaver, announced the news in a video post on her Instagram page. He 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. This video announcement is something Dolly asked of me years ago, before I fully absorbed it as a future reality.
"As her head of security for more than two decades, a role my father, Larry held before me, I have imagined the heaviness of this moment but haven't truly felt it until now.
"It is an honour that is mixed with absolute pride and great sadness. But sadness lies with us, not with Dolly. Dolly has lived in the light and is in the arms of Jesus, surely met by Carl, her parents, and countless others who have watched her and longed for her to meet them in the heavens.
"I first went on the road with Dolly as a kid, getting a taste of the road life in the early 1980s. Dolly opened doors, not just for me, but for her entire family to reach the potential we didn't even know was possible.
"Dolly also opened doors for generations of singers, songwriters, musicians and dreamers from every walk of life, and across every continent.
"By her example, we believed that anything was possible. She never saw a door she couldn't open, and the doors she opened, made and changed history. My family and I have shared a lifetime of beautiful memories with Dolly, but so have you."
"She has always been on your television, your record player, your CD, and on your phone playlist, becoming an extended part of your family whether you liked it or not.
"Our family and the team she has entrusted with her legacy will work diligently to ensure her spirit will live with us forever.
"Dolly was a farmer, just like her Daddy. He farmed the soil, she farmed songs and happiness. Dolly called me and said she wants to rest in a beautiful bed of plush cotton, because after a life wearing heavy rhinestones, she finally deserves to be comfortable and have some rest.
"Rest in peace, Aunt Dolly. Aunt. Granny. Gigi. May God bless Dolly Parton, and may God bless you all. She will always love you."
