Live: Dolly Parton's legacy is 'not celebrity, but humanity' as stars pay tribute

Dolly Parton may have grown to fame as a country music artist, but her impact extended far beyond.Those who knew her say the rhinestone-clad legend will be remembered for her work not only as a musician, actor and author, but as a philanthropist.Wed 26 Aug 2026 at 8:55amWed 26 Aug 2026 at 8:55amBilly Ray Cyrus says he will 'always love' Dolly 'with my whole heart'After his breakout hit Achy Breaky Heart hit the airwaves in 1992, Billy Ray Cyrus went on to open for Dolly Parton on tour.He also asked Dolly to be the godmother of his daughter, Miley Cyrus. "I have so many moments and memories with Dolly, it’s hard to know where to start," Billy Ray wrote on Instagram."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."Wed 26 Aug 2026 at 8:42amWed 26 Aug 2026 at 8:42amBlue Wiggle says working with Dolly 'an honour'Dolly Parton recorded two songs with The Wiggles for an album which was released just last year.Blue Wiggle Anthony Field joined ABC News Breakfast a little earlier to talk about the collaboration."When we heard the news [of her passing], it was such a big shock," he said."She was so gracious with the whole team when we worked with her."It was an honour to have worked with such a legend."If you want to have a listen to the sweet songs, tracks Friends! and We Will Always Be Friends on the Wiggle Up, Giddy Up album are your go-to.Wed 26 Aug 2026 at 8:35amWed 26 Aug 2026 at 8:35amWhich Dolly songs are you listening to today?Wed 26 Aug 2026 at 8:30amWed 26 Aug 2026 at 8:30amDolly had the power to make everyone feel seenDolly made everyone feel loved. (Reuters)Writer and professor at Vanderbilt University Emily Lordi was lucky enough to meet Dolly on three different occasions, including to write profile pieces on the incredible artist.She told ABC News Radio the opportunity was a "unique privilege".When asked about her music, Lordi said Dolly's superpower was speaking from multiple viewpoints in her songs."I think it was, in a sense, that very myth of the humble origins and the sense that she had worked her way from, you know, rural Tennessee, to the limelight, and that she had done so without ever losing track of just how extraordinary it was, without losing a sense of gratitude and enthusiasm for the work," she said."I think that is really one of the keys to the appeal of Dolly Parton: she makes us feel that our dreams are possible just as hers were."And I think that's one reason why she had such a broad reach, is because so many different people could see themselves in her work."Wed 26 Aug 2026 at 8:21amWed 26 Aug 2026 at 8:21amHow brilliant were Dolly's duets with Kenny Rogers?One of my favourite Dolly moments was her great live duet of "We've Got Tonight" with Kenny Rogers. Just watch the crowd reaction when they hear Dolly's voice! Classic!- KenHer duets with Kenny Rogers were always such a treat.Here's the link Ken shared if you'd like to check out. I just adore Kenny's smile when he hears Dolly walking out.Another of their duets that always gets me misty-eyed is their last Islands in the Stream, performed at Kenny's farewell concert in 2017. You could see even then, they still had so much fun performing together.Those two were absolute gifts to country music 💛Wed 26 Aug 2026 at 8:14amWed 26 Aug 2026 at 8:14amAlbanese recalls 'magical' experience meeting DollyPrime Minister Anthony Albanese says it is difficult to imagine the world without Dolly Parton in it."One of the joys of my time in Government was when I was able to help Dolly overcome a bit of red tape and get her tour bus on to Australian roads in 2011. It was a magical experience meeting her, but what was even better was seeing her among her legions of local fans," he wrote in a statement on X."There are a lot of broken hearts in Australia and across the world today. Wherever you are, turn your stereo or your phone to Dolly then turn the volume up." Wed 26 Aug 2026 at 8:06amWed 26 Aug 2026 at 8:06amFonda remembers a 'naughty, playful southern gal'You might know that in 1980, a little movie called 9 to 5, about three working women who fantasised about overthrowing their boss, was released in cinemas.It starred Dolly Parton alongside Lily Tomin and Jane Fonda. The film sparked a decades-long friendship between Parton and Fonda.Following the news of Dolly's death, Fonda shared an emotional tribute, describing her longtime friend and one-time costar as a "beautiful woman"."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," Fonda wrote on Instagram."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. 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."She had a survivor's instinct and seemed to always know just what to do, just what to say, to make things right...and then she's stick her butt out the car window and moon Kenny Roger's home. She was the voluptuous embodiment of empathy. That's something of hers she'd want us all to take with us."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. But first, watch the final episode of Grace and Frankie where she's an Angel, the head honcho working class angel in Heaven."Wed 26 Aug 2026 at 7:55amWed 26 Aug 2026 at 7:55am'A heart of gold': Some more of your commentsWe will always love you 🥰Dolly!!! Thank you for your songs and the Imagination Library!!!! So sad today but heaven will be much ‘sparklier’ now. Rest well!!!- LisaI knew that the day we lost Dolly, our hearts would break. Her spirit, music, generosity, influence and humanity have made a deep mark on me, as I know they have on so many. Dolly may be the one unifying person we have, and that does not change now. We remember you, Dolly.- Amanda Its Dolly Parton's music and philanthropy that will be treasured forever. She was a unique and quirky individual with a heart of Gold. RIP Dolly😘🫶🙏- MichaelWed 26 Aug 2026 at 7:52amWed 26 Aug 2026 at 7:52amThe Imagination Library is Dolly's 'greatest legacy'I think Dolly's greatest legacy is the Imagination Library. Millions of books distributed, for free, to kids all around the world. Dolly valued access to education above all else. Her loss creates a massive hole in the world of caring and understanding. - LukeI imagine it would be difficult to know just how many lives Dolly's philanthropy changed.For those who don't know, the Imagination Library sent participating children a book every month until their fifth birthday.She created the program in 1995 to honour her father, Robert Lee Parton, who never learned to read or write.Dolly visiting the Library of Congress in 2018, where the Imagination Library donated its 100 millionth book. (X: Library of Congress)If you'd like to read more about the Imagination Library, here is a story from the ABC Western Plains about its impact here in Australia.Wed 26 Aug 2026 at 7:35amWed 26 Aug 2026 at 7:35amReba McEntire: 'There will never be another you'Reba McEntire, another country music legend, says she will "remember and cherish every memory" of Dolly."Well, I just got the news that my buddy Dolly passed onto the higher and greater side," she wrote on Instagram."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."Wed 26 Aug 2026 at 7:20amWed 26 Aug 2026 at 7:20amDolly was one of the greatsI’m well into my 70s and if I was asked to choose a list of artists loved by all , Dolly’s name would be there. Good music , good fun person . R.I.P.Dolly.- PhillipAgreed, Phillip.There are few artists as universally loved as Dolly.Wed 26 Aug 2026 at 7:17amWed 26 Aug 2026 at 7:17amKeith Urban 'heartbroken'Australian country star Keith Urban shared a few words in an Instagram story."Heartbroken today. Honestly... I have no words right now."Dolly and Keith shared a duet called The Twelfth of Never, which was released in 2005.In 2022, Dolly was asked who she would love to "bake a cake and sing a duet with", and she chose Keith.Here is how he responded.Wed 26 Aug 2026 at 7:06amWed 26 Aug 2026 at 7:06am'Dolly Parton's legacy is not celebrity, but humanity'Dolly Parton was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1999."Dolly Parton's legacy is not celebrity, but humanity," Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum CEO Kyle Young said, calling her a "champion of equality and literacy"."She was a picture of dignity, even when dressed outrageously. Anyone who seeks to be more like Dolly is on the right track, but they'll never get to the finish line."She came from poverty to become the most important native of Tennessee."She shared her fortunes for the good of all of us, and shared her soul in every note she sang."Guests visiting Dolly Parton's plaque at the Country Music Hall of Fame on Tuesday. (AP: George Walker IV)Wed 26 Aug 2026 at 6:59amWed 26 Aug 2026 at 6:59amHow will you remember Dolly?We will share some of the beautiful words said by those who knew Dolly Parton shortly, but we would also love to hear from you.Will you remember the icon for how she shaped country music, for her contributions to literacy, or something else entirely?Do you have a favourite Dolly moment?Wed 26 Aug 2026 at 6:51amWed 26 Aug 2026 at 6:51amWelcome to our live blog 🦋Celebrities and professionals say country music legend Dolly Parton's legacy will be her humanitarian work.The country singer died in the US, aged 80, on Tuesday.Join us as we remember Dolly, and follow the tributes shared in her honour.(AP: John Russell)