A permanent tribute to the late Dolly Parton now adorns the walls of The Tipsy Cow, a popular bar in Newcastle city centre, days after her death. The mural, created by artist IDa4s, depicts the music icon with her trademark big blonde hair and wide smile.
Tribute to a Music Icon
Shortly before 7pm UK time on Tuesday, it was confirmed in a moving video from her nephew Bryan Seaver that the 9 to 5 singer had died. Bryan said: "I have imagined the heaviness of this moment but haven’t truly felt it until now. It is an honour, an honour that is mixed with absolute pride and great sadness."
A spokesperson for the multi-platinum selling artist revealed that Dolly had passed away following a brief battle with cancer. The statement explained: "After bravely facing a brief battle with cancer, Dolly departed her Earthly life today at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center surrounded by loved ones."
Bar Boss on the Mural
Delighted with the artwork, pub boss Acrid told ChronicleLive: "At The Tipsy Cow we are first and foremost a community space. We want to reflect that with the artwork on and around the bar. We’re here 365 days a year. Come rain or shine with open doors for everyone! Working with IDa4s we hope to showcase icons that are true to themselves, trailblazers and those who paved the way for us to be doing what we’re doing today!"
On what Dolly meant to the LGBTQ+ community, Acrid added: "Dolly was definitely one of those. She was unique, she knew who she was, she knew and loved her people. When we heard of her passing we knew we had to honour her first! Dolly was a really remarkable person."
"She fought for a lot of different causes. She loved everyone. She was unapologetically herself & made it possible for a lot of other people to be themselves too! I think her image being front and centre outside the bar is a strong message to present to people passing our bar everyday."
Location and Community Impact
The mural is located outside The Tipsy Cow, a 'hidden gem' bar not far from the Discovery Museum and Lane 7. Dolly's death prompted tributes across the globe, and this Newcastle artwork now stands as a lasting honour to the singer's legacy.
