Country Music Community Mourns Dolly Parton: Reba McEntire, Blake Shelton, Carly Pearce and More Pay Tribute
These heartfelt tributes prove the impact Parton left on country music and the generations of artists who were inspired by her life and career.
Photo Courtesy of Blake Shelton, Reba McEntire, Dolly Parton
The country music community is coming together to mourn the loss of Dolly Parton, with countless artists taking to social media to reflect on the profound impact she had on the genre and the generations of artists she inspired.
The devastating news broke on Tuesday, August 25 through a video message shared across Parton’s social media pages by her nephew and head of security, Bryan Seaver. A following statement reveals that the country music icon died peacefully today in Nashville, Tennessee. She was 80 years old.
Dolly is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 59 years Carl Thomas Dean (1942 – 2025), her mother Avie Lee Caroline Owens (1923 – 2003), and father, Robert Lee Parton, Sr. (1921 – 2000).
From longtime friends like Reba McEntire, Terri Clark and George Strait to artists who grew up listening to her music like Carly Pearce, Chase Matthew, Kelsea Ballerini, Gabby Barrett and so many more, tributes have continued to pour in following the announcement of her death on Tuesday, August 25.
Between her unmistakable voice, timeless songwriting and generosity, Dolly Parton leaves behind a legacy that reaches far beyond country music. These heartfelt tributes offer just a glimpse into the profound mark Parton left on country music and the generations of artists who were inspired by her life and career.
Reba McEntire was among one of the first to share her condolences to the Parton family and to express her sadness over this tremendous loss in the world.
She wrote, “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.”
Gabby Barrett took to social media to share a story that she often tells during her shows of the first time they met, recalling how she feels like she “hugged her a little too hard” because of how excited she felt in that moment. She got to learn about the business from Parton and even receive encouragement from her along the way.
“She sent me a handwritten card with butterflies on it, and I know exactly where that card is in my house. I made a point to keep it forever, and I always will. And crazy enough, Baylah (my 5 year old) just recently asked me, “Mom, when am I gonna get to meet Dolly Parton?” I told her, “Hmmm I’m not sure.” There was just nobody like her. She was so witty and could make you laugh, and then turn around and break your heart with a song. She was a songwriter and a country music woman through and through. I don’t know if I’ve ever seen someone so dedicated to this music and to what it means. She gave so much to country music, but I’ll always be especially grateful for the little bit of kindness and encouragement she gave to me. A true treasure who will be missed.”
Terri Clark shared a sweet throwback photo of her and the “9 To 5” singer alongside a kind tribute in the caption.
“We just lost our matriarch. She was so much more than an entertainer. She swung the pendulum toward the light in times of darkness. She gave back so much more than she ever took and used her name and influence for the greater good. THAT’S WHY the song “What Would Dolly Do” was written and loved. The world almost feels off its axis right now, and how we exist in it without her remains to be seen. She taught us so much through her heart and her actions and left behind a legacy of love and light. Now she is in that light with her loved ones and her God. Thank you, Dolly, for inspiration beyond music. Humanity is better because of you.”
Drew Baldridge joined the rest of the world in expressing his pure shock over learning the news of Dolly’s passing. He called her a “true icon” that “made the world a better place with her music and her gift giving.”
“Country Music wouldn’t be what it is today without her. So many hearts breaking around the world. There will never be another Dolly Parton!”
Carly Pearce, who has frequently credited Dolly for being a monumental inspiration in her career, shared a deeply personal tribute, reflecting on how the superstar shaped her dreams from a young age and now promises to carry on the light she brought to country music.
“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. 🦋”
Bill Anderson
The last thing Dolly Parton 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 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”
Kimberly Perry
“Years ago, when I was too scared to make my second album, Rick Rubin gave Dolly Parton my phone number. He wanted her to talk some courage into me. And she did – she called me herself, this gorgeous soul, my fellow East Tennessean, and told me to be bold with my voice. It’s one of the most iconic, turning-point moments of my life. Years later, I got to sing her favorite song of mine – “I Will Always Love You” – at the White House. Full circle doesn’t even cover it. Heartbroken doesn’t even come close. She is my hero. My queen. There will never be another her. Fly high, Mrs. Dolly. Fly high. 🕊️”
Maren Morris
“there will never be another. @dollyparton was who we could all agree on. she was and is such a light. 💔”
Trace Adkins
“It is indeed rare for the world, collectively, to express sorrow for someone’s passing. I knew her to be the angel that they think she was, and I’ll miss her. Dolly, I’ll always love you. -Trace”
Kimberly Williams Paisley
“I first met Dolly Parton when she and Brad recorded “When I Get Where I’m Going.” She was immediately approachable, funny, kind, and generous. And her voice! Well, it pierced my soul in the best way, and added so much to an already beautiful song. Years later, I got to work with her on her Heartstrings series for @netflix. We had a scene together in “Jolene” outside in a bandstand. On the day we filmed, there were crazy winds and sideways rain. We were trying to keep a strict schedule and so we soldiered on in the storm. My hair, my wardrobe, my script pages were flying every which way as we got ready to shoot. When Dolly arrived, it was like the storm stopped, but only around her. She glided across the stage, looking gorgeous and prepared as always, with not ONE HAIR out of place. It must have been the Dolly effect.
Dolly did so much good in her beautiful life on earth, from helping kids learn to love to read, to inspiring so many people to love each other well. In addition to her astounding talent, she was an incredible business woman and philanthropist. Dolly will always live on in her music and in our hearts. And we will always love her.🕊️🕊️🕊️❤️👑👑👑”
Chris Janson
“Rest in Heaven, my wonderful friend, duet partner, and mentor. Dolly was a wonderful person, and it stopped me in my tracks hearing of her passing. TRUE ICON, TRUE STAR, and REAL GREAT HUMAN. We’ll always love you, Dolly. My family is grateful the time we got to spend alongside of you. Love, CJ”
Lee Ann Womack
Can you imagine how beautiful the angel band sounds today? ❤️
Keith Urban
“heartbroken today. Dolly Parton honestly…. I have no words right now.”
Chase Matthew
“As somebody from Tennessee and born in East Tennessee, I spent a lot of time growing up, going to the Dollywood Amusement Park with my family, and we just have so many memories that revolve around Ms. Dolly Parton. With the passing of her just finding out today, I just want to give my flowers to her and her family. She was just an incredible, even outside of music, she was just an incredible businesswoman and she inspired so many people, so many artists to just chase our dreams and pave the way for so many women in country. I mean, just an incredible woman, undeniably, and we should all try to live our lives more like Dolly Parton. So just want to give my flowers to her and the family today. And we’ve got a show here tonight in New York. I will definitely be paying my respects tonight. So thank you, Ms. Dolly, for everything you’ve done.”
Sheryl Crow
“There is a hole in the universe. There was and will never be anyone like @dollyparton. I did not know her well but I loved her like family… we all did. She was an incredible story teller musically and in real life. But she was also a loving and compassionate human being, led by goodness in all she did. I will miss knowing she is on the planet but she will never be far away. RIP Dolly. We love you.”
Jon Pardi
“I never got to meet Dolly, but she always sent me kind things. Pictures and books for my daughters. Legendary artist and songwriter. A true American icon and so funny and sweet. Thank you Dolly.”
Kelsea Ballerini
“My east Tennessee angel, thank you for every ounce of magic and butterflies, acceptance and joy, heart and music you brought to this world. we will always love you dolly.”
Shaboozey
“Rest in paradise Dolly Parton, I wish I had the honor of meeting you. You were everyone’s favorite artist. Thank you for giving us some of the greatest music we’ll ever know.”
Laci Kaye Booth
“What A woman. What a storyteller. What a life she led. We are so lucky to have had her.”
George Strait
“You’ve had such a huge impact on so many people all over the world. We will all miss you. May God bless the Parton family.”
Blake Shelton
“I can say with absolute certainty that we are all feeling the same heart brokenness today. I only got to spend any real time with Dolly when Gwen 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.”
Deana Carter
Losing our sweet Dolly. 💔An amazing treasure & a void that no one can fill. 💔 So blessed to have had some time together. Our loss is Heaven’s gain. Till we meet again…🦋
Kelly Clarkson
“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.”
Family of Loretta Lynn
Our whole family is devastated to hear of Dolly’s passing. Dolly was an icon, a legend, a world unto herself. But even more, she was mom’s friend. She was her “mountain sister”. They understood each other. Our hearts go out to all of Dolly’s family and team. We take comfort in knowing the Honky Tonk Angels are together again and that one day, we will hear them live again. Sending our love, The Lynn Family
Mark Chesnutt
“It’s a different world now. It seems like our foundation is crumbling and there’s nothing to replace it with. I will always love you, Dolly.” – Mark Chesnutt
Madeleine O’Connell graduated from North Central College with a bachelors degree in Journalism and Broadcast Communications before deciding to pursue her studies further at DePaul University. There, she earned her masters degree in Digital Communication & Media Arts. O’Connell served as a freelance writer for over two years while also interning with the Academy of Country Music, SiriusXM and Circle Media and assisting with Amazon Music’s Country Heat Weekly podcast. In addition to Country Now, she has been published in American Songwriter, Music Mayhem, and Holler.Country. Madeleine O’Connell is a member of the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music.
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