Khloe Kardashian and Kelly Osbourne lead emotional tributes to country legend Dolly Parton after her death at 80

DOLLY Parton’s celebrity friends and fans are paying tribute following her heartbreaking death at the age of 80. The country legend had been struggling with her health for some time before she died. Country legend Dolly Parton has died aged 80 Credit: Getty Dolly’s famous friends have been sharing their memories following her death Credit: AFP Announcing the devastating news, her nephew Bryan Seaver said in a video message: “Dolly has lived in the light and is in the arms of Jesus, surely met by Carl, her parents and countless others who have watched her and longed to meet her in the heavens.” The legendary singer spent over 65 years in the music industry performing some of country’s biggest ever hits including 9-5, Jolene and Islands in the Stream. Sign up for the Showbiz newsletter Thank you! Khloe Kardashian – who was a self-confessed superfan – interviewed Dolly on her podcast Khloe in Wonder Land. In an emotional tribute, the reality star wrote online: “Some people are so extraordinary, their existence feels almost impossible. Dolly was one of those people. READ MORE ON DOLLY PARTON “A once-in-a-lifetime soul. A woman whose light, heart, talent and humanity changed this world forever. 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.” Kelly Osbourne wrote: “There will never be another Dolly Parton.” Most read in Showbiz Kelly Osbourne says there will only ever be one Dolly Parton Credit: instagram/@kellyosbourne Khloe Kardashian has also paid tribute Credit: instagram/@khloekardashian She added: “Dolly, thank you for paving the way. Not only for women in music, but for women everywhere to be unapologetically themselves. You showed us that we could be ambitious and kind, strong and soft, fearless and authentic. “One of the greatest honors of my life was getting to work with you. Your legacy reaches far beyond music. Through your philanthropy, generosity, and commitment to literacy and education, you changed countless lives and made the world a better place. Star looked upbeat in final photos taken just weeks before her death Family statement in full as nephew confirms country music icon’s death Singer revealed ‘hard times with health’ just days before passing Heartbreaking last post looked forward to opening of her museum Trump pays tribute to one of the ‘greatest singers’ Star joked about Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s future kids in heartbreaking last video post Dolly’s funeral plans revealed after tragic death at 80 “You used your success to lift others, proving that true greatness is measured not only by what we achieve, but by what we give. “There will never be another Dolly Parton. Thank you for the music, the laughter, the love, and for leaving this world brighter, kinder, and better than you found it.” Love Island UK star Amber Davies who landed the role of a lifetime in Dolly Parton musical 9 to 5 after leaving the villa met her idol while filming a TV show about her role. Paying tribute, Amber shared pictures of them together and said: “Heartbroken. One of the first people to ever believe in me. Dolly Parton, the world will not be the same without you.” Dolly married her beloved husband Carl Perkins in 1966 Credit: Getty Amber Davies gushed over her idol who she met the star after landing role in Dolly’s West End musical 9 to 5 Credit: Instagram In March 2025, Dolly lost her beloved husband Carl Dean after nearly 60 years of marriage. Carl, who had been diagnosed with alzheimer’s disease in 2019, died at the age of 82. Ever since, Dolly struggled with her health and had been forced to bow out of numerous scheduled gigs, admitting she needed to go through “a few procedures” amid ongoing “health challenges”. Despite this, Dolly wanted to work until the day she died – and just four days ago insisted: “I still have so many things I want to achieve.” She told People: “As I’ve shared in video messages throughout the past year, I am dealing with some health issues that I just didn’t pay attention to when I was watching over Carl. “You know, this isn’t the first time I’ve had to manage something like this. Back in the early ’80s, I was down for several months with female issues, and I was struggling with my weight at the time too, so it’s not like I haven’t been through hard times with my health.” She added: “But I think because we live in a 24/7 world with social media, everything gets magnified in ways it wasn’t years ago. I used to joke that I was the Queen of the Tabloids, but now I guess I can say I’m the Queen of Social Media AI! “Seriously, though, even though I’m still healin’, I’m still workin’! You know me — as I’ve often said — I’ve dreamed myself into a corner and I still have so many things I want to achieve, so I’m gonna keep on working as long as I can to see everything come to life.” The singer-songwriter said there was ‘more to achieve’ days before her death Credit: AFP President Trump shared a message saying Dolly’s death was a ‘true loss’ Credit: Instagram The White House Dolly Parton was a ‘hero’ to actress Jamie Lee Curtis Credit: Instagram Jamie Lee Curtis Graham Norton called her death ‘heartbreaking’ Credit: Instagram President Donald Trump ordered American flags to be flown at half-mast in honour of Dolly Parton as a touching tribute to “one of the greatest”. He said: “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.” President Trump’s daughter Ivanka said: “Goodbye to a bright light. A peerless singer, incredible songwriter, gifted comic actress, tireless philanthropist, accomplished businesswoman and true original. We never met but I adored and admired Dolly greatly.” Former president Bill Clinton wrote: “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.” Sex and the City actress Sarah Jessica Parker expressed her shock at Dolly’s passing. Writing on Instagram, she said: “No!!!!!!“I never met @dollyparton but my gosh, did I love her. “I don’t think any of us had to know her to love her. “One of the greatest this country ever produced. Legend. For real. Forever. “And always advocating for those she knew and understood needed a champion. “What a loss. But aren’t we so lucky, so fortunate for the endless gifts she shared. With the world. “Godspeed and RIP. You will be terribly missed.” Paris Hilton wrote: “Heartbroken to hear about Queen Dolly Parton’s passing. “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.” Paris Hilton says ‘rest in peace, Dolly’ Credit: instagram/@parishilton Singer Paloma Faith called her ‘one of the greatest ever’ Credit: Instagram Paloma Faith Comment now