'She brought the light, and we are all better because she was here': tributes pour in for Dolly Parton

Dolly Parton has been hailed as a ‘magnificent star’ who ‘filled the world with light’ as the world mourns her death.

The legendary country singer sadly passed away aged 80, her family announced on Tuesday (26 August).

The news was shared on Instagram, by Dolly’s nephew and head of security, Bryan Seaver, who said his beloved aunt had tasked him with breaking the sad news when the time came.

"This video announcement is something Dolly asked of me years ago, before I fully absorbed it as a future reality," he said in the emotional footage.

"As her head of security for more than two decades, a role my father Larry held before me, I have imagined the heaviness of this moment, but haven't truly felt it until now.

"It is an honour, an honour that is mixed with absolute pride and great sadness. But sadness lies with us, not with Dolly."

As well as being a record-breaking singer and songwriter, Dolly was also an accomplished actor and generous philanthropist.

Following the announcement of her passing tributes have poured in from across the music industry, Hollywood, politics and further afield.

Sir Elton John led tributes, sharing on social media that he had been left ‘devastated’ by the news.

He wrote: "Shocked and devastated to hear of Dolly's passing.

"A giant of an artist – unique and irreplaceable, with the kindest heart."

'Thanks Dolly for the beautiful music'

Beatles icon Sir Paul McCartney shared a lengthy statement about the ‘magnificent star’.

He wrote: “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 unrivalled 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.

"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. We will always love you, god bless and rest in peace. You were the best.”

Rapper Eminem revealed a sweet note Dolly had sent him in 2022, where she told him she felt an 'unexplained connection' to him.

Beyoncé has also remembered the ‘brilliant’ singer, sharing: “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 humour, your entrepreneurship.

“I’m honoured 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.”

Meanwhile, Taylor Swift said a world without Dolly ‘doesn’t feel possible, real, or right’.

“Dolly gave us someone to look up to while encouraging us to be who we are as individuals," she said in a statement.

“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.”

Outside of the music industry, TV personality Oprah Winfrey recalled 'having a hoot and a holler while wearing Bob Mackie gowns on her show Dolly' and wrote: “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.

“God bless you, Dolly — you earned your wings.”

Actress Bette Middler said she was 'devastated' and described Parton’s voice as 'pure gold' with a 'heart to match'.

“I’m sure the nation will mourn her as I do, and for many years to come,” she added, “what a terrible, terrible loss”.

And Dolly's Steel Magnolias co-star Julia Roberts said: “Dolly was a magical and joyous human. I hold knowing her as a treasure in my life. The sun has dimmed today.”

President Donald Trump has ordered flags to be flown at half mast

President Donald Trump took to his Truth Social platform to honour Dolly.

“Very sad to report that Dolly Parton, one of the greatest country singers, and far beyond, EVER, has just passed away,” he wrote.

“This is a true loss for millions of people. There has never been anyone like her, and never will.”

Trump also announced that he had ordered the flags to be flown at half mast in honour of the late singer.

“In her honour, 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.”

In his own tribute, former POTUS Barack Obama said: “It is hard to imagine many people having a bigger impact than Dolly Parton.

“Born in a one-room cabin, she earned 11 Grammy and an Emmy, built a business empire, helped millions of kids learn to read, and – as if that wasn’t enough helped accelerate the research that led to the Moderna Covid vaccine. What a life.

“Michelle and I are thinking of Dolly’s family and her many, many fans.”