Beyoncé Shares What She'll Treasure About "Tenacious" Dolly Parton

Dolly Parton's Cause of Death RevealedBeyoncé will always remember the impact Dolly Parton had on music and beyond. After the country star’s death at the age of 80, the Cowboy Carter singer—who teamed up with Parton on the 2024 album—shared a heartbreaking tribute to her collaborator. “Dolly, you were the barometer,” Beyoncé wrote in a statement shared on her website Aug. 25. “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.” The 44-year-old went on to note that she’ll treasure the time they had together forever. “Thank you for your profound impact on the world,” Beyoncé continued. “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.” Parton, whose death was shared by her nephew Bryan Seaver Aug. 25, passed away following a brief battle with cancer.“Dolly opened doors for generations of singers, songwriters, musicians and dreamers from every walk of life and across every continent,” Seaver noted in his announcement. “By her example, we believed that anything was possible. She never saw a door she couldn't open, and the doors she opened made and changed history.” So much so, that when it came time for Beyoncé to create Cowboy Carter, it only seemed natural that she included a cover of “Jolene.” But the 35-time Grammy winner didn’t stop there, as she also had a “Dolly P” interlude on the album as well as Parton’s voice in the introduction to “Tyrant.”Jason Kempin/Getty Images, Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for The Recording Academy) After the album’s release, Parton herself couldn’t help but tip her hat to Beyoncé’s rendition. “I think it was very bold of her," she told E! News in an exclusive interview at Dollywood's in 2024. "When they said she was going to do 'Jolene,' I expected it to be my regular one, but it wasn't. But I love what she did to it. And as a songwriter, you love the fact that people do your songs no matter how they do them." “I was very proud of her album," Parton added. "I thought she did a great job in country music, and I thought it was great. And I was just happy she did 'Jolene.'” For more celebrities who’ve paid tribute to Parton after her death, keep reading... Jamie McCarthy/Getty ImagesTaylor 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," Swift said in a statement to E! News. "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," she continued. "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." Swift shared that she's "so grateful" for all of her contributions. "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," the songwriter added. "Dolly, I’ll think of you each step of the way.”Robyn Beck and VALERIE MACON / AFP / Photo by ROBYN BECKVALERIE MACON/AFP via Getty ImagesBeyoncé“Dolly, you were the barometer. The North Star. Bold and brilliant. Talented and tenacious," Beyoncé wrote on her website Aug. 25. "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." She's espcially grateful they could work on a version of "Jolene" for Beyoncé's Grammy-winning album Cowboy Carter. "I’m honored that I had the privilege to work with you," she continued. "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.”Jerry Fitzgerald/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty ImagesOprah Winfrey“One of my fondest memories with @dollyparton: Having a hoot and a holler while wearing Bob Mackie gowns on her show Dolly,” the TV icon posted to Instagram. “This girl from the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee dreamed a life and then lived a life bigger than she could have ever imagined, giving so generously to others in ways we saw and ways we didn’t. “No one like her. She brought the light, and we are all better because she was here,” Winfrey continued. “God bless you, Dolly—you earned your wings.”Silver Screen Collection/Getty ImagesJane FondaParton’s 9 to 5 costar shared a heartfelt message for the singer and actress, writing in part, “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, '9to5,' 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. Let’s be grateful for all that she has left us to ease our sadness now.” “To her gay and trans fans, I want you to know that she loved you. You know that without me telling you. She loved all her fans and they are legion. And you know she doesn’t want y’all to mourn now. Dress up and celebrate her spirit,” she added. “But first, watch the final episode of Grace and Frankie where she’s an Angel, the head honcho working class angel in Heaven.” Fonda concluded, “RIP, beautiful woman. We love you."Rick Diamond/Getty ImagesReba McEntire“Well, I just got the news that my buddy Dolly passed onto the higher and greater side,” the country singer began in her tribute to Parton. “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,” she added alongside several photos of the two. “We will remember and cherish every memory and every note you ever played and sang. Thank you, Lord, for Dolly.” McEntire continued, “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.”Michael Kovac/Getty Images for The Recording AcademyReese Witherspoon“I count my lucky stars that I called Dolly my friend. When I was playing June Carter Cash in Walk the Line, she took me to dinner and told me stories of how June Carter charmed everyone in country music,” the Oscar winner recalled. “Dolly gave me the courage to put my whole spirit into that performance and made me see how lucky I was to be a storyteller. Throughout my entire career, she sent me little notes of encouragement and support, telling me to be the light in people’s lives and listen to my angels. Always signed: ‘I will always love you.’” “Dolly, I miss you already,” she wrote. “Your talent, your wisdom and your beautiful spirit lit up our lives. Go soar with your angels…. We will always love you.”Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty ImagesSally FieldParton’s Steel Magnolias costar posted a throwback photo of the cast to Instagram, writing in the caption, “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.”Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty ImagesCyndi Lauper“It’s hard for me to imagine the world without Dolly,” the Grammy winner began. “Dolly’s heart was as big as her talent. She was not only a great singer/song writer/actress/TV star, Dolly also lived her art. She used her art, her fame and her money to help so many people. I can’t even tell you how many times I’ve thought to myself, 'What would Dolly do?' She was a great role model for all of us. I hope she is in a place with Carl, her Mom and Dad and all her loved ones who’ve passed. She will be so missed. Rest in Peace Dolly.”Robin Platzer/Images/Getty ImagesBarbra Streisand“So sorry to hear about Dolly - she was a true force of nature,” the Funny Girl actress shared. “May she rest in peace.”Jim Dyson/Getty ImagesPaul 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,” the Beatles alum remembered. “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.” McCartney continued, “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,” he added. "We will always love you, god bless and rest in peace. You were the best.”Arnold Jerocki/Getty Images for Christian DiorSabrina Carpenter"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!'" she raved. "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."Beth Gwinn/RedfernsKeith Urban“Hearbroken today. Dolly Parton,” the “Somebody Like You” singer posted to Instagram Stories. “Honestly....I have no words right now.”Weiss Eubanks/NBCUniversal via Getty ImagesKelly Clarkson“Dolly Parton had a way of making everyone feel special, and seen, and welcomed, and as if you were old friends,” the “Because of You” singer lamented on X. “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 catalogue of art she has left behind for all of us.”Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty ImagesJulia Roberts“Dolly was a magical and joyous human,” Roberts shared of her Steel Magnolias costar in a statement to Variety. “I hold knowing her as a treasure in my life. The sun has dimmed today.”Trae Patton/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images via Getty ImagesBlake Shelton“I can say with absolute certainty that we are all feeling the same heart brokenness today,” the country singer wrote on X. “I only got to spend any real time with Dolly when Gwen [Stefani] and I got to work with her on The Voice. I want everyone to know that she was the EXACT person that you think she is. It was like being with the funnest, most loving, most caring and closest member of your family. Truly a loss for the entire world. We love you Dolly.”Jason Kempin/Getty Images for ABALuke BryanFrom one country star to another, he wrote, "Her light, being a strong Tennessee woman, songwriting, charisma, wittiness, and the ability to make fun of herself and the ability to inspire the world is what I think about when I think of Dolly. When you live your life and people can recognize you by one name, Dolly, I think that says it all. Rest in peace Dolly." Frazer Harrison/Getty ImagesTim McGraw"She was an icon and showed us all what was possible, not only as a human but as an entertainer," he shared on Instagram. "She was the blueprint, head and shoulders above anyone that came before her and all those of us that have come after. Everything she did, she did it with kindness, grace and that famous wit and smile. It’s been hard to not be in tears all day. There will never be another Dolly Parton."SHEIN X 100K Challenge 2021/Getty Images for SHEINKhloe KardashianThe Kardashians star posted a series of tributes to Parton on her Instagram Story, including a look at her Dolly Parton-themed birthday party. "Some people are so extraordinary, their existence feels almost impossible. Dolly was one of those people,” Kardashian wrote. “A once-in-a-lifetime soul. A woman whose light, heart, talent and humanity changed this world forever.” She continued, “To have admired her was a gift. To have met her, spent time in her presence, and somehow been lucky enough that Dolly Parton knew my name... I will never have words big enough for what that means to me. What an astronomical human being. What a legacy. What a loss. There will never be another Dolly."Robin Marchant/Getty Images for NetflixNoah KahanThe “Stick Season” singer shared a sweet tribute to Parton on X, writing, “Rest peacefully Dolly, thank you for the joy and the music and the example you set for us all.”Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for The Recording AcademyKacey Musgraves “Dolly. This really really hurts,” the “Rainbow” singer posted to X, adding in a followup, “The world feels a lot less sparkly all of a sudden.” “So glad she’s with her Carl Dean,” she continued, referencing Parton's late husband who died in March 2025. “No one talk to me today.”Larry Busacca/Getty Images for SiriusXMKathie Lee Gifford“I am completely devastated by the loss of my precious friend, Dolly. She encouraged me and loved me every day I needed it. That is what I remember most,” the TV personality posted to X. “I wish more people in this world would live like Dolly did. To just be kind and loving and steadfast . I will miss her for the rest of my life.”Mike Coppola/Getty Images)Shaboozey“Rest in peace Dolly Parton, I wish I had the honor of meeting you,” the Grammy winner wrote on X. “You were everyone’s favorite artist. Thank you for giving us some of the greatest music we’ll ever know.”Taylor Hill/WireImageJoan Jett“Dolly was a one of a kind, altruistic, down to earth, musical genius,” Jett shared on X, recalling the time she and Parton collaborated on the song "I Hate Myself For Loving You" for Parton’s 2023 album Rockstar. “Working with her was one of the highlights of my career.”Jesse Grant/Getty Images for HISTORYGene Simmons“Very, very sad,” the KISS singer said of Parton’s passing. “She was a sweet and kind soul and I’m proud to say I knew her. And I witnessed she always took time to stop and greet anyone around her. There will never be another Dolly.”Michael Tullberg/Getty ImagesHenry Winkler“What a sad day for America, what a sad day for the world, what a sad day for the Parton family,” the Happy Days alum posted to X. “Dolly! We will miss you in more ways than one can say you were a treasure on this earth.”Amy Sussman/Getty ImagesColman Domingo“Dolly taught us that you can be anything and do anything and to do it with kindness,” the Oscar nominee shared on social media. “What a light. We are all grateful that we lived in a time of Dolly Parton. We will always love her.”Amy Sussman/Getty ImagesParis Hilton"Heartbroken to hear about Queen @DollyParton’s passing,” the Simple Life star wrote with a photo of the two. “She was a true icon and such an inspiration to me. Her talent, heart and kindness touched so many lives, and she truly left this world better than she found it. Sending all my love to her family, friends and everyone who loved her. Rest in peace, Dolly.”Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Tony Awards ProductionsJosh Gad“This one just hurts too much,” the Frozen star lamented. “We have already lost too many of our 20th century musical greats, but today we lost one of our all—time-greats. F--k off 2026. We’re done. RIP Dolly. You are loved.”Julian Hamilton/FilmMagicCody Linley“Rest in peace to the Queen, Dolly Parton,” Linley wrote of his Hannah Montana costar. “Such a sweet and special soul who exuded positivity, warmth, and joy. May her incredible legacy live on for generations to come. I’m honored and grateful to have had the opportunity to work with her.”Albert Urso/Getty Images for NYFW: The ShowsTess Holliday“Currently pulled over on the side of the road sobbing I’ll never be the same,” the model wrote, sharing a photo of her tattoo of Parton. “Thank you for showing women everywhere to exist as they are. Loud, unapologetic, kind, and the ultimate southern baddie. My heart is broken.”For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News App