Dolly Parton Saluted As Troubadour, Trailblazer

The music and entertainment worlds have united in tribute to trailblazing troubadour Dolly Parton, who died today (Aug. 25) at the age of 80 after battling significant health issues in recent years. Parton’s husband of nearly 59 years, Carl Dean, passed away in 2025 at the age of 82.

“I am devastated. I just learned that Dolly has moved on,” her 9 to 5 co-star Jane Fonda 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. We have our memories of her, her songs, Dollywood, ‘9 to5,’ the millions of books she got into the hands of children, all the iconic images that bring her to us. And they are all blessings.”

More from Spin:

• Music Legend Dolly Parton Dies At 80
• Soundgarden Drafts McCready, Momsen For Halftime Show
• Queens Of The Stone Age Break Free On ‘Perfecth’

“Let’s be grateful for all that she has left us to ease our sadness now,” she continued. “I never knew anyone like her. She was simultaneously a naughty, playful southern gal from the hollows of Tennessee and a deep, soulful thinker who could see through people right down to their true selves. She was many things … lyricist, songstress, player of many instruments, writer, prankster, visionary, loyal friend, who’d never go to bed before she and her friends had laughed so hard they’d have to cross their legs.”

“This really really hurts,” Kacey Musgraves wrote on X in a series of posts. “The world feels a lot less sparkly all of a sudden. So glad she’s with her Carl Dean. No one talk to me today.”

“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,” said Reba McEntire. “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, Reba.”

 “She was such a wonderful woman,” said Paul McCartney. “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.”

Added former U.S. President Bill Clinton, “Dolly Parton was one of a kind — a great songwriter and performer who told the stories of everyday Americans with honesty, humility, and heart. She rose high from her East Tennessee roots and never forgot where she came from. And she always believed in giving back, especially in her efforts to promote literacy. Hillary and I were big fans and first saw her in 1974, and will always be grateful for the music and the memories. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family, her legion of fans, and everyone who loved her.”

“What a wonderful songwriter and singer Dolly was,” wrote the Rolling Stones’ Mick Jagger. “She brought so many people together. We will all miss her so much.”

Added Sheryl Crow, “There is a hole in the universe. There was and will never be anyone like Dolly. I did not know her well but I loved her like family… we all did. She was an incredible story teller musically and in real life. But she was also a loving and compassionate human being, led by goodness in all she did. I will miss knowing she is on the planet but she will never be far away. RIP Dolly, we love you.”

“Dolly forever,” said Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea. “What a huge heart. The absolute best. Will always heal me. Thank you Doll. I will listen to you til I drop, and then some. A river of happiness flows, a garden where only love grows.”

“Dolly Parton had a way of making everyone feel special, and seen, and welcomed, and as if you were old friends,” proclaimed Kelly Clarkson. “I will miss her heart and her voice as I am sure millions will. What an incredible gift and talent she was and still is with an amazing catalog of art she has left behind for all of us.

This is a developing story.

To see our running list of the top 100 greatest rock stars of all time, click here.