Tributes have poured in for Dolly Parton, the country singer, songwriter and actor, after her death aged 80.
News of her death was shared by her nephew on social media. “Dolly has lived in the light and is in the arms of Jesus,” he said.
Earlier this year, Parton had canceled a Las Vegas residency over health issues.
Family statement
“Our family and the team she has entrusted with her legacy will work diligently to ensure her spirit will live with us forever,” the official family statement said. “Dolly was a farmer, just like her Daddy. He farmed the soil; she farmed songs and happiness.”
Parton was known for hit songs such as Jolene and I Will Always Love You, starring in films such as 9 to 5 and Steel Magnolias, and her philanthropy work.
Celebrity tributes
Famous names who knew her or were fans of her work have been paying tribute.
Kacey Musgraves wrote: “The world feels a lot less sparkly all of a sudden.”
Lily Tomlin, Parton’s 9 to 5 co-star, shared a picture of the pair, adding: “No words…💔”
Jamie Lee Curtis wrote on Instagram: “Thank you, Dolly. For all of it.”
Bernie Sanders called her “one of the great entertainers of our era” but also “a lifelong philanthropist and advocate for literacy, education, LGBTQ+ rights, healthcare and disaster relief”.
Keith Urban wrote in an Instagram story: “Heartbroken today. Honestly … I have no words right now.”
Jane Fonda, her 9 to 5 co-star, wrote: “I know that millions are mourning and I want to say this – more than anyone I have ever known, Dolly will always be with us because she was so present, so powerful, so generous and playful that she is woven into all our lives and hearts forever.” She also added that she was “the voluptuous embodiment of empathy”.
Julia Roberts, Parton’s Steel Magnolias co-star, said: “Dolly was a magical and joyous human. I hold knowing her as a treasure in my life. The sun has dimmed today.”
Dionne Warwick posted: “I will certainly miss her laughter, jokes and her being. Rest well and in total peace my friend. My heart is heavy.”
Seth Macfarlane, who worked with Parton on sci-fi comedy series The Orville, wrote that the experience had been “extraordinary”. “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,” he posted online. “The world is a dimmer place today without her.”
Octavia Spencer shared a post on Instagram, writing: “Dolly you were a gift to the world, your voice, your philanthropic heart, and warmth made us a feel seen and that the world was a pretty decent place. We miss you.”
Reba McEntire shared a picture of the pair on Instagram, adding: “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.”
Apple CEO Tim Cook called Parton “a brilliant songwriter, cultural icon, and dedicated philanthropist” and praised her for helping to “instill a love of reading and learning in millions of children around the world”.
Bret Michaels shared on Facebook: “Sending my deepest thoughts, prayers and condolences on the loss of the incredible Dolly Parton to her close family and friends. Dolly, you have forever added so much to our world and will forever be loved.”
Belinda Carlisle called Parton “a light in this world” and wrote that she was “heartbroken” by the news.
