‘We Will Always Love You’: The World Mourns The Loss Of Dolly Parton

The world is still reeling from the loss of musical icon Dolly Parton, who not only changed country music but also had an impact on people’s lives with her words of encouragement, film and television performances, books and philanthropy.

Over the past 24 hours, the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer has been honored by the music world and beyond words from notable figures such as Paul McCartney, Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, Dionne Warwick, George Strait, Reba McEntire and many more.

Pollstar has gathered statements and tributes sent and posted on social media pages celebrating Parton, her music, and her legacy, which lives on in all the artists she inspired.

Neil Warnock, United Talent Agency’s Co-Head of U.K. Music and Head of Global Touring
“Dolly was just Dolly. She started with a vision and never took her foot off the gas. I was incredibly fortunate to be part of her life and to witness, alongside her manager Danny Nozell, the energy and ambition she brought to every chapter of her extraordinary career. It was a privilege to know her and to play a part in her journey.

“The star. The songwriter. The entrepreneur. The philanthropist. She did it all, and she did it in her own inimitable way. We’ll miss her dearly.”

Sir Paul McCartney
“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 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.

“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.”

Rod Essig, Music Agent, Creative Artists Agency
“Working with Dolly was one of the greatest honors of my career. To have a front-row seat to her extraordinary journey and witness all that she accomplished was truly remarkable. Her talent was unparalleled, but it was her heart, generosity and the way she treated people that made her so special. I will always be grateful to have been part of her incredible story. We also shared a birthday, that was always so special.” 

Taylor Swift
“A world without Dolly doesn’t feel possible, real, or right. But because of the eternally generous way she spent her time on this earth and the countless lives she changed for the better, her legacy will be an everlasting one.

“She was truly the gift that kept on giving. Dolly gave us someone to look up to while encouraging us to be who we are as individuals. Somehow she was able to give us her lessons about the world gently and honestly, simultaneously, and oftentimes hilariously. She managed to give the world the ultimate mystery and fantasy in some corners of her life, but to give full transparency in the ways that counted. Somehow she was true grace and true grit, all in one dazzling person. She possessed the softest heart when it came to the struggles of others, and a backbone of steel to defend her own self worth as an artist.

“Along with her other fans, I am so grateful for all of it. For the melodies and lyrics she wrote that thawed even the coldest hearts. For the millions of books she provided children all over the world so that they might fall in love with stories the way she did. For the tightropes she walked so that young girls like me could grow up dreaming of joining the circus too.

“Dolly, I’ll think of you each step of the way.”

Danny Nozell, CEO of CTK Enterprises and Longtime Manager of Dolly Parton
“It is with a deeply saddened heart that I honor the life and legacy of an extraordinary artist and human being. As their manager, I had the privilege of witnessing their dedication, talent, and passion firsthand. Their presence touched not only those who worked with them, but countless people around the world. I will always be grateful for the memories, the journey, and the trust they placed in me. Their work and legacy will continue to inspire generations to come. Rest peacefully. You will be deeply missed and never forgotten.”

Beyoncé
“Dolly, you were the barometer. The North Star. Bold and brilliant. Talented and tenacious. You taught so many lessons on how to be uniquely oneself. I am grateful for your art, your heart, your generosity, your humor, your entrepreneurship. I’m honored that I had the privilege to work with you. I will treasure that forever. Thank you for your profound impact on the world. You are an angel who has made this world a happier place because of your joyful art. You are truly one of one. Rest peacefully.”

Linda Ronstadt
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of my friend, Dolly Parton. One of the most extraordinary musical experiences of my life was recording with her. The world is a poorer place without her.”

Eminem
“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. Even for a kid who mostly listened to rap music, she was an icon. A superstar in every sense. Rest easy Dolly. And thank you for the kind words.”

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Miley Cyrus
“The feeling of losing my Aunt Dolly is beyond what feels right to share. Our most sacred moments were private and they’ll stay there behind the stage, beneath the glamour & between our hearts.

“What I KNOW is Dolly would want me to feel it, write a song about it, and then continue on and be strong. I have an angel by my side. I always have. One of our last conversations was about music and metamorphosis. 🦋

“I will always love her and want to make her proud. My heart breaks for the world, her family and friends who will miss her deeply. We’re in this loss together and we will see her in all of the most beautiful things.”

Library of Congress
“The Library is devastated to learn of the passing of @DollyParton, a music legend and titan of children’s literacy. Her Imagination Library program has earned multiple Library Literacy Awards and, in 2018, she visited us to donate its 100 millionth book to our collection and host a story time.”

Former President Barack Obama
“It’s hard to imagine many people having a bigger impact than Dolly Parton. 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. What a life. Michelle and I are thinking of Dolly’s family and her many, many fans.”

George Strait
“You’ve had such a huge impact on so many people all over the world, Dolly Parton. We will all miss you. May God bless the Parton family.”

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
“Dolly Parton gave us a lifetime of unforgettable music and moments. She inspired artists and listeners alike, selflessly championing causes that mattered to her and her community. A songwriter, performer, actress, businesswoman, and philanthropist, Parton spent six decades showing just how much of an impact one person could have. The 2022 Inductee leaves behind a legacy, along with her incredible body of work, that will be remembered for generations to come.”

Grand Ole Opry
“It is with the heaviest of hearts that we say goodbye to a true country music icon, Opry member Dolly Parton. There is no doubt Dolly’s mark on the world, and on us here at the Grand Ole Opry, will be deeply felt for generations to come. She taught us to always lead with kindness, generosity, and compassion. May her legacy live on through her songs, the lives she touched, and the countless artists she inspired. There will never, ever be another one like her. We will always love you, Dolly.”

Sarah Trahern, CEO of Country Music Association
“At the end of the day, few artists define Country Music better than the one-word, Dolly. Over her decades-long career, I worked with her on a number of programs. She was always the most professional in every setting, often walking off the bus in heels and hair and makeup ready to go, before expected and before the cast and crew. However, along with the music, our biggest loss today is her work as a philanthropist and the genuine difference she has made in people’s lives throughout the world. There will only ever be one Dolly.”

Mick Jagger of The Rolling Stones
“What a wonderful songwriter and singer Dolly was. She brought so many people together, we will all miss her so much.”

Reba McEntire
“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.”

The Muppets
“There will never be another quite like Dolly Parton. She was the ultimate singer, songwriter, actress, performer, and philanthropist. She filled the world with light and we are so grateful for every second we got to spend with her onstage and off. 🦋”

Sabrina Carpenter
“oh dolly 💔 the only thing i could say after we first met was ‘she really is an angel walking the earth’ and ‘we look like we could be sisters!”’

“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.

“your light will be something the world will search forever to find again 🦋🦋🦋 i will always love you”

Vince Gill
“We are all crushed here at our house. One of the most beautiful sounds I’ve ever heard was when Dolly and I sang that last note of ‘I Will Always Love You’ the year we performed it on the CMA Awards.”

Dionne Warwick
“I will certainly miss her laugher, jokes and her being. Rest well and in total peace my friend. My heart is heavy.”

Kim Villanueva, President of the National Organization for Women
“Dolly Parton defined feminism. She forged her own path with confidence, smarts, and was always unapologetically herself. She encouraged women to embrace who they wanted to be and stand up for their values.

“Dolly was a true philanthropist – helping the neighbors she loved so much in her native Tennessee, millions of children through her Imagination Library, and the world when she funded research for a COVID vaccine. And when women were finally gaining a foothold in the workplace, she starred in the movie 9 to 5, emphasizing that women in the workplace deserved to be treated equally and with respect.

“Dolly Parton was a feminist icon and will be very dearly missed.”

Ken Burns, documentary filmmaker who directed the PBS miniseries “Country Music”
“One of twelve children raised in a cabin, Dolly Parton left home carrying nothing but songs to become the most beloved figure in American music. She wrote “I Will Always Love You” as a goodbye to Porter Wagoner. Today it belongs to all of us.”

Shania Twain
“Dolly was pure light sent from heaven. My mentor is gone. My songwriting teacher and hero of grace and humility. There is a hole in my heart but the joy of just the thought of her smile will continue to fill me with inspiration for as long as I live. I will cherish this moment performing Coat Of Many Colors with Dolly forever. Goodbye Dolly. Rest in peace, beautiful angel.”

Wynonna Judd
“To imagine a world without @dollyparton is almost unthinkable. The mark she left on music, our culture, and the human spirit is greater than any of us could ever hope to leave behind. When Mom passed, Dolly showed up for me in a way I’ll never forget. That’s who she was—she showed up. She was family. She was a light in my life and in the lives of millions of people who may never have had the privilege of knowing her personally, but somehow felt like they did. There will never be another Dolly. I will miss my friend more than words can say.”

Brandi Carlile
“Dolly traded in her butterfly wings today. I felt her leaving all week and I’ve been singing “Coat Of Many Colors” with I’m With Her and asking folks to pray everyday. I don’t even know why.

“She took my face in her hands and prayed over me once. I’ve never been the same since. Her prayers were maybe more powerful than mine or anyone else’s, because that prayer has had a very long rainbow colored halo and I hope it lasts me my whole life.

“I’m married to an agnostic Londoner, and I can’t help but laugh out loud when I think of the raptured audience at Glastonbury in the palm of Dolly’s hands, as she ended her once in a lifetime set by shouting ‘can I get an amen?!’

“The sound of two hundred thousand immediate British ‘AMENS’ is something that causes me to burst into American hysterics at least once a week!

“Dolly had a way of deeply belonging to every one of us, and yet somehow still not being of this world. There’s really only one other person in human history I can think of who has held that light.

“I loved Dolly with all my heart. Before I met her, I loved her because she took a risk and accepted me (and all of us) for being gay in a time where she didn’t need to say anything. And she has been asked to comment and speak on MANY things over the years… choosing only to speak on that which brings love and mercy to real people, and shutting down any line of questioning that won’t. She never wavered on accepting anyone for who they were and who they were meant to be.

“After I met her, I loved her for being obscenely generous, whip smart and possessing the kind of otherworldly discernment I’ll never stop chasing. Dolly was the boss to beat all bosses and I’m one of the lucky few to experience that side of her. She was a musician’s musician, with expectations higher than the scariest roller coaster at Dollywood! A bona fide rockstar, a preacher and the quickest comedian I ever took a shot from.

“And yet I’m nobody and everyone all at once. Just a heartbroken Dolly fan at the end of the day with a head full of memories, prayers and songs left behind by a big breasted angel with a twinkle in her eye and the whole world in her hands.

“Thank you Dolly – you changed the whole world and never let it change you. Your faith is a light. You are the standard bearer. Put in a good word for us all with your god and help us in whatever way you can from where you most certainly are. Can I get an amen?”

Elton John
“Shocked and devastated to hear of Dolly’s passing. A giant of an artist – unique and irreplaceable with the kindest heart.”

Melissa Etheridge
“Words fail me today, words to describe the spirit that was Dolly. I was blessed with knowing her, just a little. We all were. I will strive the rest of my days to be as joyful and loving as she was. Her talent and gifts she gave us will live on for generations. We are a better world because she walked among us. May she live in the stars of the night and in the light of our days.

Bette Middler
“Our beloved Dolly Parton has died.  I am devastated, and I’m sure the nation will mourn her as I do, and for many years to come.  She had a voice of pure gold and a heart to match. What a terrible, terrible loss.”

Brad Paisley
“I never imagined this day would come. Getting to know Dolly was life changing, but not just for me. For everyone. She seemed immortal. And in the spirit of what we sang together on this song, I believe she is.

“It won’t be the same down here without you Dolly. But what a legacy of goodness and art you leave for all of us. Goodbye hero. We will always love you.”

Kacey Musgraves
“Dolly. This really really hurts. … The world feels a lot less sparkly all of a sudden.”

Lily Tomlin
“Friend. Songwriter. The Great Harmonizer of Humanity. Dolly. Dolly. Dolly.  Forever Dolly.”

Sally Field
“If there are truly angels on earth, then we have just lost one. Dolly Parton. There will never be another. I adored her with all my heart and will always cherish our time together. Forever. Rest in peace beautiful Dolly.”

Randy Travis
“From our hearts to the throne of glory, we release one of our greatest angels….our butterfly, Dolly. I’ve been blessed to know many wonderful folks throughout my career in country music; but, none quite like you, Dolly. You had a way of making everyone around you feel most important. Your kindness was genuine, your faith strong, your humor lit up a room, and that beautiful heart of yours was even bigger than the remarkable voice the world fell in love with.

“I’ll always be grateful for the memories, the conversations, the laughs, and the goodness you showed me through the years—especially during the chapters of my life when your encouragement meant more than you probably ever knew. You gave country music some of its sweetest memories and most iconic songs; but, you gave the world something greater…yourself. And, you gave it all! Now, it’s your turn to dance with Carl.

“Thank you for showing all of us how to carry success with grace and how to use the gifts God gave us to bless others. Your mission to make people happy and lift them up while glorifying God, is complete. You have planted so many trees under whose shade you will never sit… you have made this world a better place. There will never be another you, Dolly. Rest peaceful, my sweet friend, until we meet again…and, next time, I’ll be sneaking up on you! I will always love you… forever and ever, Amen”

Jorma Kaukonen of Jefferson Airplane and Hot Tuna
“I have been a Dolly Parton fan for years. I remember in 1990 or 1991, I was on the road with my good friend Michael Falzarano. We were driving somewhere in a rented Ford Aerostar. Back in those days, cars’ entertainment options were pretty much limited to an AM/FM radio and a cassette player. I had a cassette of Dolly’s ‘Eagle When She Flies’ album, and it was in heavy rotation on that road trip. Now, when I get turned on to a piece of music I like, I will listen to it relentlessly until whoever is with me at the time just can’t stand it anymore. Vanessa and Michael were patient with me on that trip. I remember Michael saying to me, ‘I wonder what your fans would think if they knew how much you listened to Dolly Parton?’

“Yeah, I was a big fan… still am.

“Sad to say, it becomes easy to take things for granted when they’re, well, just around and easily accessible. If someone were to have asked me yesterday what the world would be like without Dolly Parton, it would have been an unknown concept. As Ken Kesey and the Merry Pranksters used to say, ‘Nothing lasts,’ and that is hard to deny, but to me, Dolly Parton was one of those iconic figures who would just always be there whenever we needed her.

“Forty years ago, I went on a motorcycle trip from Woodstock, N.Y., down through the Great Smoky Mountains to Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. I started riding Skyline Drive, and before you know it, I was in Dollywood. You know, it was one of those themed parks that I probably wouldn’t have normally gone to, but it was Dolly’s park, so I put up with the crowds and all the cotton candy.

“Now, I never had the chance to meet Dolly, but she always seemed like she would be a fun person to meet. She was a great singer, a great writer, a great musician and a good soul. I thank her for the joy she brought me in my life, and I wish her Godspeed on her journey beyond the stars.”

President Donald Trump
“Very sad to report that Dolly Parton, one of the greatest Country singers, and far beyond, EVER, has just passed away. This is a true loss for millions of people. There has never been anyone like her, and never will. In her honor, I am lowering the American flag throughout the United States for a one week period beginning tonight at 6:00PM. Rest in Peace, Dolly! The World loves you.”