‘There will never be another Dolly': Celebrities react to death of Dolly Parton

Dolly Parton’s fans are thinking of her every step of the way.

The beloved country music legend, actor and philanthropist died at the age of 80, her family announced Tuesday on social media.

Parton was an 11-time Grammy winner – with 52 nominations, the second most all time among woman – and sold over 100 million records. She was also an Emmy winner, a two-time Oscar nominee and six-time Golden Globe nominee, including two nods for Best Performance by an Actress.

“Dolly Parton’s legacy is not celebrity, but humanity. She was a champion of equality and literacy. She was a picture of dignity, even when dressed outrageously,” the Country Music Hall of Fame wrote in a social media post.

News of Parton’s death led to an outpouring of tributes on social media.

Her friend and fellow country music legend Reba McIntire thanked Parton 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,” McIntire continued. “There will never ever be another you.”

Singer Dionne Warwick wrote, “I will certainly miss her laugher, jokes and her being. Rest well and in total peace my friend. My heart is heavy.”

Country singer Kelsea Ballerini called Parton her “East Tennessee angel” on her Instagram Story, adding “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.”

President Donald Trump said on social media he was ordering flags lowered to honor the late country star.

“Very sad to report that Dolly Parton, one of the greatest Country singers, and far beyond, EVER, has just passed away,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “In her honor, I am lowering the American flag throughout the United States for a one week period beginning tonight at 6:00PM.”

He called her death “a true loss for millions of people. There has never been anyone like her, and never will.”
“Rest in Peace, Dolly!” he concluded. “The World loves you.”

Many others fans, musicians, celebrities, politicians and others paid tribute to Parton.

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… pic.twitter.com/qpbvKUNbiM— Reba McEntire (@reba) August 25, 2026

I will certainly miss her laugher, jokes and her being. Rest well and in total peace my friend. My heart is heavy. pic.twitter.com/4sVARNLX0z— Dionne Warwick (@dionnewarwick) August 25, 2026

What a sad day for America what a sad day for the world what a sad day for the pardon family. Dolly! We will miss you in more ways than one can say you were a treasure on this earth.— Henry Winkler (@hwinkler4real) August 25, 2026

Dolly. 💔 This really really hurts.— K A C E Y (@KaceyMusgraves) August 25, 2026

What a wonderful songwriter and singer Dolly was. She brought so many people together, we will all miss her so much. pic.twitter.com/DJ394Y2n91— Mick Jagger (@MickJagger) August 25, 2026

I'm sorry we never got a chance to meet, but getting this note from Dolly really had a 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… pic.twitter.com/LPHi3cKe5m— Marshall Mathers (@Eminem) August 25, 2026

It’s hard to imagine many people having a bigger impact than Dolly Parton. Born in a one-room cabin, she earned 11 Grammys 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… https://t.co/gl4KGm4vnk— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) August 25, 2026

"Laura and I, along with thousands of her fans, mourn the passing of Dolly Parton. We loved her music and her style. She was a great entertainer and even greater person. We respected her work to promote literacy, advance health, and strengthen communities. Dolly was a talented…— George W. Bush Presidential Center (@TheBushCenter) August 25, 2026

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…— Bill Clinton (@BillClinton) August 25, 2026

pic.twitter.com/cA0x9JHyQ6— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) August 25, 2026

Dolly Parton was a true American icon. First introduced to the world as a "little girl from up in East Tennessee," she became a global superstar.

Her career accolades included 11 Grammy awards, an Emmy, an honorary Oscar, and — my favorite — more than 300 million books sent to… pic.twitter.com/cxLpUYSiih— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) August 25, 2026

As four-time subscribers to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and lifelong fans of her music, our family knows that Dolly Parton loved a good story. I hope that you’ll pick up a book and celebrate the magic of storytelling in her honor today.— Second Lady Usha Vance (@SLOTUS) August 25, 2026

Dolly taught us that you can be anything and do anything and to do it with kindness. What a light. We are all grateful that we lived in a time of Dolly Parton. We will always love her. pic.twitter.com/kKOuTrcFo9— Colman Domingo (@colmandomingo) August 25, 2026

I cannot believe the world has lost @DollyParton OMG. I loved Dolly. Everyone loved Dolly! https://t.co/KVVLdnfECf— Boy George (@BoyGeorge) August 25, 2026

The news of Dolly Parton’s passing is devastating. I had the extraordinary experience of working with her on The Orville, and it was a joy to discover that she really was exactly the person we all hoped she was. Her kindness, generosity, and authenticity were evident from moment… pic.twitter.com/xVf2ZokZLO— Seth MacFarlane (@SethMacFarlane) August 25, 2026

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library was the best contribution to child literacy ever made by a celebrity. Our paths crossed once, in the 90s, backstage at a talk show, and I was completely tongue-tied and starstruck. RIP Dolly. You were a complete, irreplaceable one-off.— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) August 25, 2026

Very, very sad. She was a sweet and kind soul and I’m proud to say I knew her. And I witnessed she always took time to stop and greet anyone around her. There will never be another Dolly. https://t.co/hVn4YvdbZb— Gene Simmons (@genesimmons) August 25, 2026

Dolly Parton was one of the great entertainers of our era. She was not only a talented musician & songwriter, but a lifelong philanthropist and advocate for literacy, education, LGBTQ+ rights, healthcare and disaster relief.

Her music and humanity touched millions. She will be…— Sen. Bernie Sanders (@SenSanders) August 25, 2026

RIP Dolly Parton. Can now join Kenny Rogers. This is still one of my favorite live performances ever. Back when singing was singing. pic.twitter.com/17nJvfLGmy— Dave Portnoy (@stoolpresidente) August 25, 2026

Heartbroken to hear about Queen @DollyParton’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 🥹✨ Sending all my love to her family, friends and everyone… pic.twitter.com/FdKC6sPTGf— Paris Hilton (@ParisHilton) August 25, 2026

Dolly spent her whole life showing us what it means to lead with love. Lauren and I are so grateful to have known her. She lifted everyone with her music, her generosity, and her joy. Sending our sincere condolences to her family and everyone she touched. pic.twitter.com/rgt9rpY5Jy— Jeff Bezos (@JeffBezos) August 25, 2026

Chrissy and I are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of our dear friend, Dolly Parton, and send our sincere condolences to her family and loved ones.

Dolly was talented beyond compare, and an entrepreneurial juggernaut who played an integral role in transforming our state.… pic.twitter.com/5gzC4T9Ql0— Senator Bill Hagerty (@SenatorHagerty) August 25, 2026

Born one of 12 siblings in a one-room cabin in Tennessee, Dolly Parton epitomized the American dream, writing songs that touched millions across the globe.

She will be remembered as a lover and unifier of all people, a towering champion for literacy and philanthropy, and as an…— Mark Warner (@MarkWarner) August 25, 2026

Friend. Songwriter. The Great Harmonizer of Humanity. Dolly. Dolly. Dolly. Forever Dolly. pic.twitter.com/ZEdUS1PrcV— Tomlin and Wagner (@LilyTomlin) August 25, 2026

Rest in peace Dolly Parton ❤️ pic.twitter.com/kBOPEXv53b— Criminalsimpsons (@Criminalsimpson) August 25, 2026

Dolly Parton sent hundreds of millions of books to children across the US for free… She was the closest thing to an angel we have ever had on earth…. https://t.co/Fphq1yjanw— Grace (@gracecamille_) August 25, 2026

Few stars could light up a screen, tell a story through a song, or find their way into our hearts quite like Dolly Parton.

Dolly brought something entirely her own to everything she did. She was radiant on screen and in song; she could put a lifetime of feeling into just a few… pic.twitter.com/FFAqbj53aj— The Academy (@TheAcademy) August 25, 2026

I was lucky enough to know and work with the one and only Dolly Parton. She was a phenomenal guest on the show; always funny and always made everyone she met feel like a million dollars. We did duets together, laughed together and danced through Dollywood in the Smoky Mountains… pic.twitter.com/tPGEzfYpCz— Jimmy Fallon (@jimmyfallon) August 25, 2026

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… pic.twitter.com/9ycD4lSpO9— Blake Shelton (@blakeshelton) August 25, 2026

Rest peacefully Dolly, thank you for the joy and the music and the example you set for us all ❤️— Noah Kahan (@NoahKahan) August 25, 2026

From King Center CEO, Dr. Bernice A. King: “I am deeply saddened by the passing of Dolly Parton. Her extraordinary voice and songwriting entertained and brought joy to generations, and she used her influence beyond music to affirm human dignity, inclusion, and the importance of… pic.twitter.com/A3PoV5Xsvt— The Martin Luther King, Jr. Center (@TheKingCenter) August 25, 2026

We join the rest of the world in mourning the passing of entertainment icon Dolly Parton ❤️ pic.twitter.com/W9D3nT5Gef— MLB (@MLB) August 25, 2026

We are deeply saddened by the loss of Dolly Parton, the beloved “Queen of Country Music.” Thank you for the memories you made with us at our venues and for a legacy that will live on forever🩷 pic.twitter.com/MrNXPpqx42— MSG (@TheGarden) August 25, 2026

Tonight, the Empire State Building tower lights will turn to a pink sparkle at 9:25 to honor the late Dolly Parton.

Dolly was a global cultural icon whose seven-decade career reached generations of fans. Beyond entertainment, Dolly leaves a significant philanthropic legacy… pic.twitter.com/Pu5rtdfe0r— Empire State Building Observation Deck (@EmpireStateBldg) August 25, 2026

It is with the heaviest of hearts that we say goodbye to a true country music icon, Opry member Dolly Parton.

There is no doubt Dolly’s mark on the world, and on us here at the Grand Ole Opry, will be deeply felt for generations to come. She taught us to always lead with… pic.twitter.com/t9yBCdMIsb— Grand Ole Opry (@opry) August 25, 2026

RIP Dolly Parton. A life well lived!
-TeamNuge#dolly #dollyparton pic.twitter.com/ULiIzjmASj— Ted Nugent (@TedNugent) August 25, 2026

One of twelve children raised in a cabin, Dolly Parton left home carrying nothing but songs to become the most beloved figure in American music. She wrote "I Will Always Love You" as a goodbye to Porter Wagoner. Today it belongs to all of us. pic.twitter.com/Y4XnLufJCL— Ken Burns (@KenBurns) August 25, 2026

Dolly was a one of a kind, altruistic, down to earth, musical genius. Working with her was one of the highlights of my career. JJ* pic.twitter.com/yRj22npIlg— Joan Jett & the Blackhearts (@joanjett) August 25, 2026

Dolly Parton memory: her being incredibly nice and cool to EVERYONE when i was on SNL in 1988 as a featured player/apprentice writer and wrote a sketch for her and me that bombed at readthrough and she totally sold it as it bombed and was so kind about it and I never met her…— Ben Stiller (@BenStiller) August 25, 2026

Dolly Parton forever ❤️

“You are enough. And anyone who tells you otherwise isn’t worth your time.” pic.twitter.com/kVl4cbk4qw— Netflix (@netflix) August 25, 2026

I can see the light of a clear blue morning
I can see the light of a brand new day

Dolly, it was an honor to have traveled around the Sun with you.💫 pic.twitter.com/YxNPhgwYcB— NASA Solar System (@NASASolarSystem) August 25, 2026

I know this sounds corny and cringey and naive and whatever, but Dolly Parton felt like America when it was trying to be the place it promised to be.— Mike Drucker (@MikeDrucker) August 25, 2026

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