Remembering Dolly Parton

Remembering Dolly Parton | Narrated by Lainey Wilson
Dolly Parton was a dreamer, a worker, and a giver. And to Lainey Wilson, she was a friend. Wilson reflects on the loss of not just one of our greatest artists, but one of our greatest people.

“When we were shooting STRAIGHT TALK, Dolly would ask me to listen to a song she had just written. She rubbed her fingernails together for the percussion and of course sing some incredible song. I look back at those days and think, was that all a dream? I had her in mind when I wrote my first song years later that ended like this:
 
Misty morning
Misty morning
White like Jesus’ wafer
Gentle as a dove
Misty morning
Misty morning
Carry me to heaven
On the wings of your love
Carry me to heaven
On the wings of your love
Rest in Peace, Dolly” - James Woods

“Dolly Parton was a light. That's the only thing that I can say. Her spirit and her smile were infectious. Every time I saw her performing, I knew I was gonna leave that place uplifted. Rest in peace, Dolly. We're losing our southern women, and you were the embodiment of someone that was appreciative and proud of where you came from. You made a huge difference in the life of so many people, and I, for one, am so sad to see you go, but you're not gonna be forgotten. Not by a long shot.” - John Ford Coley

“There are no words to describe the sadness that I am feeling hearing that Dolly has died today. We were dear friends from the Pigeon Forge days to touring together, and at every instance she was a total pro and a class act. I know people will be asking what I will miss the most about her, and that would be her loving laugh, sense of humor, and one of the most incredible voices I’ve ever heard. Now that voice will be heard in heaven as she joins the angel choir. I will miss you, Dolly. You will forever be in my heart, and if there’s one thing I know for sure, you can’t make old friends. RIP till I see you again.” - T.G. Sheppard

“Dolly was such an inspiration to me as a young girl. I wanted to be like her and chose to hone in on my skills as a singer and songwriter because of her. I even chose to sing two of her songs on Star Search and was thrilled when she called me on stage at the Opry to acknowledge my performances and thank me for singing her songs. I loved her business sense and have taken a few pages out of her playbook through the years. What a force of nature she was and will continue to be. I will always love you, Dolly, and rest assured that the world is a better place because you were born.” - Kelly Lang

“Dolly was one of the most talented and sweetest individuals ever. There will never be another like her.” - Moe Bandy

“One thing we all have in common is our love for Dolly Parton. We were all fortunate to bear witness to her kindness, honesty, wittiness, and incredible musical talent.  She brought joy and respect into every interaction, caring for and loving everyone. Dolly, I will always love you!” - John Berry

“Dolly was an absolute angel here on Earth, and now she’s an angel in heaven. Her Spirit will shine forever.” - Lacy J. Dalton

“I’ll never forget the first time I met Dolly backstage at the CMA Awards. She has been such an inspiration and example to so many of us. “I Will Always Love You” was my encore song for many years. There will never be another Dolly Parton. Her extraordinary talent, her heart, her humor, her generosity, and the way she has touched generations of people are truly one of a kind. What a life. What a legacy. And what a gift she has been to all of us.” - Michelle Wright

"There will never be another Dolly Parton in this world. She was one of a kind. This is a sad, sad day." - Johnny Lee

“My heart is deeply saddened by the passing of Dolly Parton. Knowing Dolly, there's just so much I could say. She was more than a country music legend to all of us artists and fans. She was a shining example of faith, kindness, generosity, and love, and as she always said, what you see is what you get. My prayers are with her family and friends. I know Heaven has welcomed home a true Tennessee Angel. Love you, Dolly.” - Leon Everette

“There are no words to describe how important Dolly Parton and her career have been to country music and music in general. When you mention the name Dolly Parton, the word “icon” immediately comes to mind. She was an inspiration to so many, and we would like to keep her fans and family in our prayers during this great time of loss. Dolly was a true American treasure who came from the hills of Tennessee and rose to become one of the biggest stars of our time. Dolly, thank you for the memories, and thank you for teaching us all that if you believe in what you do and work hard enough, the sky is the limit. Love you forever.” - The Malpass Brothers

“With that down-home personality and the love she had for everyone, Dolly Parton was one of those rare legendary icons who somehow felt like a member of your own family. She’s been in our radios, on our televisions, in our children’s books, our stores… she’s simply been woven into so many corners of our lives. We always hoped we’d get the chance to meet her here on earth and tell her the impact she made on our lives and music. But can you imagine how much brighter Heaven must be, sparkling with Dolly there? We have no doubt God welcomed you with the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Dolly, we will always love you. Thank you for showing us what it looks like to be kind, generous, humble, and full of love. Rest easy, Dolly.” - Darin and Brooke Aldridge

“Sweet Dolly. The world’s hearts are broken today. She was all of our favorite singer and person. I’ve thought about this day many times, knowing that it would come someday, but didn’t expect it this soon. Please join me in prayer for Dolly’s family today, as I know she is up in heaven singing with the angels. Thank you, Dolly, for your influence on me, my music, and my life. You will be remembered by all of us forever.” - Karen Waldrup

“Dolly Parton was undisputedly one of the great singers, songwriters, and performers of any genre, and a jewel in country music. We were very lucky to see her perform growing up, and it was about as perfect a show as you could imagine. Every classic you could’ve hoped for was there, one great song after another. But as remarkable as her talent was, it was matched by her warmth, generosity, and humanity. She was simply one of a kind.” - Jesse and Noah Bellamy

“What else can be said about Dolly Parton other than that she was a true giant? She was a legend, one of the greatest to ever do this thing we call Country music. I am deeply saddened to hear of her passing, and even more sad that I will never get to shake her hand and tell her what a fan I am of her art. I’m saying a prayer tonight for her family and listening to “Coat of Many Colors.” Rest in peace, Dolly; you’re the queen.” - Trey Calloway

“My heart is truly shattered to hear about the passing of country legend Dolly Parton. Her songs and stories have left such an iconic mark in country music for decades, and there truly will never be another Dolly. I pray for her family during this time, as well as for all country music fans. It truly is a sad day.” - Makenzie Phipps

“Dolly Parton embodied kindness, greatness, and humility…she was an unrepeatable force who lived an unforgettable life. Thank you, God, for allowing us the privilege of experiencing her gifts. What an inspiration.” - Michael Peterson

“Dolly was an icon, and there’s not enough that can describe this loss to our industry. I worked with her many times, and this is such a sad day. Love you, Dolly” - Margie Singleton

“The WORLD knew Dolly Parton, and the world knew her equally as a one-of-a-kind talent and philanthropist. What an amazing legacy! One of my greatest nights at the Grand Ole Opry was the night I was asked to play piano for Dolly as she sang "I Will Always Love You" center stage. It was magic. Dolly was magic. As professional as she was on stage, she never lost her childlike innocence and delight in humankind. Dolly was relatable to all. For years, Dolly took a lot of kidding about the size of her boobs. What people should have talked about instead was the size of her heart. I already miss you, Dolly. We All do.” – Tim Atwood 

“Dolly was one of a kind. An amazing songwriter, musician, storyteller, and performer. And then when it went beyond music, she had a profound impact improving our world. She will be missed by musicians in every genre and people everywhere in the world.” - Christopher Wyze and the Tellers

“I’m deeply saddened by the passing of Dolly. She and my dad shared so many wonderful years as part of the country music family, and there was always a great deal of love and respect between them. Dolly was every bit as kind and genuine as the world believed her to be. Country music has lost one of its brightest lights, and I send my love and heartfelt condolences to her family and everyone who knew and loved her.” - Johnny Owens

“My heart is so heavy today. Dolly Parton was more than a country music icon, she was someone I looked up to, admired, and was inspired by for so many years. She paved the way for generations of artists, especially women like me who dared to dream a country music dream. Her music touched our hearts, but her kindness, faith, humor, and beautiful spirit touched the world. There will never be another Dolly. Thank you for the songs, the inspiration, and for showing so many of us that a little girl with a big dream can go further than she ever imagined. This world is going to miss your light. I know I will.” - Lee Newton

“Dolly Parton is a once-in-a-lifetime artist. Her artistry, kindness, and ambition have built a path for so many upcoming female songwriters. If I ever write a song half as good as one of Dolly’s, I’ll have known I made it. Her legacy will forever be embedded in American culture. Thank you for sharing your butterfly wings with the rest of the world.” - Celeste Marie Wilson

“The news about Dolly hit me very hard! She was a huge inspiration and a light in this world! I’m in shock! RIP beautiful Dolly!” - Stephanie Rabus

“Today we lost one of the greatest singers, songwriters, and legends Country Music has ever known. Dolly Parton wasn’t just an icon - she was a once-in-a-lifetime spirit, whose heart and Music touched millions. This loss hurts deeply and leaves a space in all of us that can never be filled. Her legacy will stand forever.” - Sammy Sadler

"I have so many moments and memories with Dolly, it’s hard to know where to start. Like every little boy, I grew up loving Dolly Parton. She was a part of our lives, on our TV’s, right in our living rooms. In 1992, I’ll never forget walking into her dressing room to apologize for all the tabloid stories which claimed I was having an affair with her. In true Dolly fashion, she just looked at me, winked and said, “Honey, this trash sells records!” Dolly recently sent me a beautiful message, telling me she loved me with her whole heart.  I will always love her in the same way ….. with my whole heart … and I always will." - Billy Ray Cyrus

Chronicle: Dolly Parton Dies At 80

Country Music Hall of Famer Dolly Parton passed away today (8/25) in Nashville at the age of 80. Born Dolly Rebecca Parton on Jan. 19, 1946, she went on to become a prolific singer, songwriter, actress, philanthropist and businesswoman with a career spanning nearly 60 years.

After achieving success as a songwriter for others, Parton released her debut album, Hello, I’m Dolly, in 1967 leading to success throughout the remainder of the 1960s, both as a solo artist and with a series of duet albums with Porter Wagoner. Parton has sold more than 100 million records worldwide, including 44 career Top 10 country albums and 110 charted singles. She has composed more than 3,000 songs, and her catalog of hits includes “I Will Always Love You,” “Jolene,” “Coat Of Many Colors,” “Here You Come Again” and “Why’d You Come In Here Lookin’ Like That.” In addition to her work with Wagoner, Parton charted hit duets with Willie Nelson (“Everything’s Beautiful [In Its Own Way]”), Smokey Robinson (“I Know You By Heart”), Ricky Van Shelton (“Rockin’ Years”) and Kenny Rogers (“The Greatest Gift Of All,” “Real Love,” “Christmas Without You,” “I Believe In Santa Claus” and “Islands In The Stream”). 

She also collaborated with Emmylou Harris and Linda Ronstadt on the Trio album; with Loretta Lynn and Tammy Wynette on the Honky Tonk Angels project; and released “Romeo” with Billy Ray Cyrus, Tanya Tucker, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Kathy Mattea and Pam Tillis. Many of her songs saw crossover success on the pop charts, as well. 

As an actress, Parton can be seen in 9 To 5, The Best Little Whorehouse In Texas, Steel Magnolias and Straight Talk. Parton also co-owned Sandollar Productions, which produced her Academy Award winning documentary Common Threads: Stories From The Quilt (1989) as well as the television series “Buffy The Vampire Slayer” (1997-2003) and feature films Father Of The Bride and Father Of The Bride: Part II, among others.

She owns The Dollywood Company, which manages a number of entertainment venues, including the Dollywood theme park and Splash Country water park. Parton also found a number of charitable organizations, chief of which is the Dollywood Foundation, which manages a number of projects to bring educations and poverty relief to her native East Tennessee, and the Imagination Library, which provides free books for children from birth to age five.

Parton has earned 50 Grammy nominations and won 11 Grammys, including the Lifetime Achievement Award; 10 CMA Awards, including being one of only seven women to take home the organization’s Entertainer of the Year trophy; five ACM Awards; four People’s Choice Awards; three American Music Awards; and 48 BMI Awards.

Parton has been a member of the Grand Ole Opry since 1969, and is a 1999 inductee into the Country Music Hall of Fame.

****   USE the Playlist play control 2nd left from top of the screen to see the playlisted tracks and select one to play from the drop down menu  ***  👇

Parton was named to the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2001, is a 2008 Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame inductee, and a 2022 inductee to the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame. She received the Library Of Congress Living Legend Award in 2004 and the National Medal of Arts in 2005, the same year the CRB presented her with the Artist Career Achievement Award. 

Parton was recognized at the Kennedy Center Honors in 2006, and three of her compositions – “I Will Always Love You,” “Jolene” and “Coat Of Many Colors” – were inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2007, 2014 and 2019, respectively. Read Parton’s complete biography via the Country Music Hall of Fame here. A small, private service is being planned for immediate family. In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations to be made to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.

TRIBUTES:

Dolly Parton, one of the most iconic and beloved artists in Country Music history, has passed away today, August 25, 2026. She was 80. We are heartbroken at the loss of a Country icon. Her impact around the world will be felt for generations to come.
"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.” 
– Sarah Trahern, Country Music Association CEO

“The last thing Dolly said to me was, “Bill Anderson - I Will Always Love You.” She was looking me in the eye from the giant video screen in the Grand Ole Opry House on the Occasion of my 65th Opry anniversary a few weeks ago. She was Smiling as only Dolly could, making my night even more special than it already was. The news of her passing has rocked my world, but as we sang together back in 2023, “Someday It'll All Make Sense." - Bill Anderson

I’ve said often in my life, “What will the world be without Dolly?” From the time I was a little girl, I wanted to be just like her. At 15 years old, my family uprooted their lives so I could start chasing my dreams, working in the country show at Dollywood. Since then, I’ve had the privilege of not only working with Dolly, but getting to know her. She was exactly who we all hoped she would be — kind, funny, gracious, and one of a kind. Heaven got a whole lot sassier, funnier, and brighter today. I will do my part as a woman in country music to continue carrying the light she shined so brightly for all of us. I love you, Dolly. 🦋 - forever your little Dollywood girl – Carly Pearce

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, - Reba McEntire

The Academy is deeply saddened by the passing of Dolly Parton. She leaves behind a legacy that reaches far beyond the stage. Through her unmistakable voice, unforgettable songs, generosity and larger-than-life spirit, she touched generations and made the world a little brighter. A member of the Country 
Music Hall of Fame and the Grand Ole Opry, Dolly was a 14-time ACM Award recipient and

three-time host of the ACM Awards. She gave us some of country music’s most enduring songs and moments, and at this year’s ACM Honors, she was honored with the ACM Poet’s Award — a beautiful recognition of the songwriter whose words became a part of so many lives. As we look back on these ACM moments, we’re reminded of the incredible mark Dolly left on country music and on all those who grew up with her songs. Her music will live on, carrying her voice and her story forward for generations to come. - ACM Awards

Dolly Parton, the beloved global entertainment icon who sold more than 100 million records and whose songwriting prowess and sure-handed approach to her career reshaped the face of country music, popular music, and the entertainment industry at large, has died. - Rolling Stone

The Library is devastated to learn of the passing of Dolly Parton, 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. 🦋❤️ Rest in peace, Dolly. 🦋 - Library of Congress

Can you imagine how beautiful the angel band sounds today? - Lee Ann Womack

What a wonderful songwriter and singer Dolly was. She brought so many people together, we will all miss her so much. - Mick Jagger

Kacey Musgraves, who joined Parton on stage for an all-star tribute performance at the 2019 Grammy Awards, took to X and wrote, “Dolly. This really really hurts. 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.” 

“The death of Dolly Parton is as big as Elvis. This rocks the country and the world in the same way and we won’t get over this for a long time. God bless this beautiful girl” - Don McLean

“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. – Taylor Swift

Ella Langley honoured Dolly Parton during her Friday night concert in Auburn by covering “Jolene.” Langley also paid tribute to Parton in a statement posted to Instagram, writing, “Dolly, thank you for standing up for yourself as an artist, a songwriter, a musician, a producer, an author, a creative, and most importantly, a woman in this industry.” She added, “You paved the way for so many to be brave. Thank you for being unafraid to show your most authentic self. The world needed Dolly and will never see another like it. The gates of heaven just welcomed home a beautiful soul.”