Celebrity tributes pour in for Dolly Parton: ‘a gift to the world’

Tributes have poured in for Dolly Parton, the country singer and actor, after her death aged 80.News of her death was shared by her nephew on social media. “Dolly has lived in the light and is in the arms of Jesus,” he said.Parton was known for hit songs such as Jolene and I Will Always Love You, starring in films such as 9 to 5 and Steel Magnolias, and her philanthropy work.Famous names who knew her or were fans of her work have been paying tribute.“The world feels a lot less sparkly all of a sudden,” wrote Kacey Musgraves, the country star.Parton’s 9 to 5 co-star Lily Tomlin shared a picture of the pair, adding: “No words…💔”Alongside a photo on Instagram, Jamie Lee Curtis, the Oscar-winning actor, wrote: “Thank you, Dolly. For all of it.”In a post on X, Bernie Sanders called her “one of the great entertainers of our era” but also “a lifelong philanthropist and advocate for literacy, education, LGBTQ+ rights, healthcare and disaster relief”.Keith Urban and Dolly Parton. Photograph: KeystoneUSA-ZUMA/Rex FeaturesIn an Instagram story, Keith Urban, the country star, wrote: “Heartbroken today. Honestly … I have no words right now.”Parton’s Steel Magnolias co-star Julia Roberts shared a statement, saying: “Dolly was a magical and joyous human. I hold knowing her as a treasure in my life. The sun has dimmed today.”Alongside a picture of Parton and herself, Dionne Warwick posted: “I will certainly miss her laughter, jokes and her being. Rest well and in total peace my friend. My heart is heavy.”Seth Macfarlane, who worked with Parton on sci-fi comedy series The Orville, wrote that it was an “extraordinary” experience. “Her kindness, generosity, and authenticity were evident from moment one, and the benign yet assured command she maintained over her empire was obvious from the genuine love and trust you could see from everyone who worked for her,” he posted online. “The world is a dimmer place today without her.”Octavia Spencer, the Oscar-winning actor, shared a post on Instagram, writing: “Dolly you were a gift to the world, your voice, your philanthropic heart, and warmth made us a feel seen and that the world was a pretty decent place. We miss you.”Reba McEntire, the country star, shared a picture of the pair on her Instagram, adding: “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.”Dolly Parton and Reba McEntire. Photograph: Matt Baron/ShutterstockThe Apple CEO, Tim Cook, called Parton “a brilliant songwriter, cultural icon, and dedicated philanthropist” and praised her for helping to “instill a love of reading and learning in millions of children around the world”.Poison’s Bret Michaels also shared on Facebook: “Sending my deepest thoughts, prayers and condolences on the loss of the incredible Dolly Parton to her close family and friends. Dolly, you have forever added so much to our world and will forever be loved.”Singer Belinda Carlisle called her “a light in this world” and wrote that she was “heartbroken” by the news.Earlier this year, Parton had canceled a Las Vegas residency over health issues.“Our family and the team she has entrusted with her legacy will work diligently to ensure her spirit will live with us forever,” the official family statement said. “Dolly was a farmer, just like her Daddy. He farmed the soil; she farmed songs and happiness.”