Dolly Parton dies at 80: Taylor, Miley, Beyonce mourn the icon whose light lives on

Stars from across the world are mourning and paying tribute to music icon Dolly Parton, who died on Tuesday at the age of 80 in Nashville, Tennessee. Dolly Parton’s nephew Bryan Seaver, who also served as her head of security, announced her death in an Instagram video shared on the late singer’s official page.Soon after the news broke on social media, many stars paid their tributes and recalled the legacy that the musician created.Singer Taylor Swift issued an emotional statement to Variety and wrote, “A world without Dolly doesn’t feel possible, real, or right,” it reads. “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,” the statement added. “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,” her note concluded.Singer Miley Cyrus was Dolly Parton’s goddaughter, and the two shared a close professional bond over the years. They teamed up for a new version of Cyrus’ 2013 hit Wrecking Ball, while Parton also made several appearances on Hannah Montana, the series that starred Cyrus. In a statement, the singer wrote, “"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." Miley's father, Billy Ray Cyrus, also mourned the death on Instagram and wrote, "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 (sic).”Actor Reese Witherspoon wrote a touching tribute on Instagram that read, “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. 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 (sic).”Singer Beyonce paid tribute in a post on her official website that read, "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."Rapper Eminem, who never got a chance to meet Parton, shared a letter he received from the late musician, which left a great impact on him. “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 (sic),” he wrote on X alongside the letter.Singer Kelly Clarkson shared a post on X that read, "Dolly Parton had a way of making everyone feel special, and seen, and welcomed, and as if you were old friends. 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 (sic)."Born in Tennessee, Dolly Parton rose from humble beginnings to become one of country music’s most enduring icons. Her decades-long career made her the best-selling female country music artist of all time, with more than 160 million albums sold worldwide.Parton made her album debut with Hello, I’m Dolly in 1967 and went on to deliver timeless hits including “I Will Always Love You,” “9 to 5” and “Jolene.” She wrote hundreds of songs, with her compositions collectively crossing 100 million sales worldwide and more than 1 billion online streams.Her contribution to country music was recognised with her induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1999. During the ceremony, Parton performed her beloved song “Coat of Many Colors,” while her close friend and Islands in the Stream duet partner Kenny Rogers presided over her induction.- EndsPublished By: Prachi aryaPublished On: Aug 26, 2026 09:53 IST