‘I will always love you,’ – Tributes pour in for Dolly Parton

Many artists, fans, and organizations around the world have been sharing their tributes to the music icon, actress, philanthropist and the Smoky Mountain Songbird, Dolly Parton, who passed away this week.
In addition to the tributes, many others have been sharing their favorite Parton moments, songs and pictures of her life. Check out the photo gallery of Dolly Parton over the years, courtesy from our sister paper The Citizen Tribune in Morristown, as well as the Library of Congress and from Parton’s website.















































Tributes
Miley Cyrus, singer-actor: “The feeling of losing my Aunt Dolly is beyond what feels right to share. Our most sacred moments were private and they’ll stay there behind the stage, beneath the glamour & between our hearts. What I KNOW is Dolly would want me to feel it, write a song about it, and then continue on and be strong. I have an angel by my side. I always have. One of our last conversations was about music and metamorphosis. I will always love her and want to make her proud. ”
Taylor Swift, singer-songwriter: “A world without Dolly doesn’t feel possible, real, or right. But because of the eternally generous way she spent her time on this earth and the countless lives she changed for the better, her legacy will be an everlasting one. … 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. ”
Dionne Warwick, singer: “The Heavenly Father has made the decision to bring another of his children to him. Dolly a true child of God is in the best hands now.”
Paul McCartney, singer-songwriter: “Her songwriting, her singing and her philanthropy were unrivaled 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.”
Mick Jagger, signer: “What a wonderful songwriter and singer Dolly was. She brought so many people together, we will all miss her so much.”
Sheryl Crow, singer-songwriter: “There is a hole in the universe. There was and will never be anyone like Dolly. 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.”
Jane Fonda, actor and activist: “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.”
Linda Ronstadt, singer-songwriter: “I am deeply saddened by the passing of my friend, Dolly Parton. One of the most extraordinary musical experiences of my life was recording with her. The world is a poorer place without her.”
Bette Midler, actor and singer: “Our beloved Dolly Parton has died. I am devastated, and I’m sure the nation will mourn her as I do, and for many years to come. She had a voice of pure gold and a heart to match. What a terrible, terrible loss.”
Kelly Clarkson, singer: “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.”
Melissa Etheridge, singer-songwriter: “Words fail me today, words to describe the spirit that was Dolly. I was blessed with knowing her, just a little. We all were. I will strive the rest of my days to be as joyful and loving as she was. Her talent and gifts she gave us will live on for generations. We are a better world because she walked among us. May she live in the stars of the night and in the light of our days.”
Kristin Chenoweth, actor and singer: “Like the rest of the world, I’m immediately heartbroken. I met Dolly on several occasions and she always made me feel like one of her own. She even agreed to sing with me on one of my records. My ultimate inspiration. The world has lost one of the best but I know we will never forget her because she is impossible to forget. I love you Dolly and I will ALWAYS love you.”
Reese Witherspoon, actor: “Throughout my entire career, she sent me little notes of encouragement and support, telling me to be the light in people’s lives and listen to my angels. Always signed: ‘I will always love you.’
Carrie Underwood, singer-songwriter: “She’s not gone. I know exactly where she is. She was the epitome of faith, grace, talent, beauty and humor. She had a humble heart for Jesus and made everyone around her feel special. She was probably the one person on planet Earth that everyone loved and could agree on.”
Nile Rodgers, musician and producer: “RIP Dolly Parton, one of the kindest and most talented artists I’ve ever worked with. You are one of one.”
Vince Gill, musician: “We are all crushed here at our house. One of the most beautiful sounds I’ve ever heard was when Dolly and I sang that last note of ‘I Will Always Love You’ the year we performed it on the CMA Awards.”
Maggie Rogers, singer-songwriter: “One of the greatest songwriters of all time beautiful radiant butterfly human. I played with her at Newport once and I felt like my chest was on fire. I was so wildly awe struck. thank you thank you a million times, dolly.”
Elizabeth Banks, actor: “This is a really hard one today. Dolly Parton in show business is like the only person to aspire to be. She is the most kind, the most loving, the most talented, the most generous, the most inclusive, the most resilient, the most gritty. She was undeniably a force of nature.”
Jamie Lee Curtis: “They say don’t meet your heroes. Her bravery to know that she was more than they thought she was and that she needed to break away and move on into new work and new possibilities led her to write I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU, as her way of thanking and loving, but moving on. She is a great example for us all.”
Eminem, rapper: “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 you for the kind words.”
Kacey Musgraves, singer: “This really really hurts…The world feels a lot less sparkly all of a sudden…So glad she’s with her Carl Dean. “
Jack White, singer: “Instant Sainthood.”
Blake Shelton, singer and judge on ‘The Voice’: “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.”
Seth MacFarlane, director and actor: “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 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. The world is a dimmer place today without her.”
Reba McEntire, singer and actor: “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.”
Colman Domingo, actor: “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.”
Ken Burns, filmmaker behind the “Country Music” documentary miniseries: “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.”
Don McLean, singer-songwriter and guitarist: “The death of Dolly Parton is as big as Elvis. This rocks the country and the world in the same way and we won’t get over this for a long time. God bless this beautiful girl.”
Lee Greenwood, singer: “Dolly Parton has always carried a light that shines from deep within. It is a light that will never fade. Her gifts as a singer, songwriter, musician, actress and entertainer are legendary. But as remarkable as her talent is, I believe her greatest legacy is her heart. Her faith in God, her kindness, her incredible work ethic and her generosity are simply part of who Dolly is. She has that rare gift of connecting with people and making everyone feel like they matter. And perhaps that is why her music has meant so much to so many of us. We all lived a little bit of life through Dolly’s songs. She gave words to love and heartache, hope and hardship, joy and dreams. Somehow, she could tell her story and make it feel like ours. Dolly has spent a lifetime sharing her light with others. Perhaps the greatest tribute we can give her is to carry a little of that light forward ourselves: to be kinder, to give more generously, to lift others up, and to leave the world a little brighter than we found it. One beautiful way to do that is by supporting Dolly’s Imagination Library and helping continue the work she began, putting books into the hands and dreams into the hearts of children everywhere. Thank you, Dolly, for the music, the laughter, the faith, the generosity and, most of all, the heart you have shared with all of us. We will always love you, Dolly.”
Duane Allen of The Oak Ridge Boys: “Dolly was the songbook of many of our lives. I remember when she joined the Porter Waggoner Show. We were on those shows and shared the same dressing room. She was charming then, just as she was the last time I saw her. “When I Sing For Him” is one of my favorite songs she ever sang. We recorded “Coat Of Many Colors”, written by Dolly. When she wrote, “I Will Always Love You”, I believe that is one of the greatest songs ever written. When she called us to help open her new theater in Pigeon Forge, I was thrilled. One of the highlights of my career is to have THE OAK RIDGE BOYS, BOB HOPE, DOLLY PARTON, opening her new theater. Dolly, I could go on and on about you giving to children’s learning, but others will want to thank you. I will close with, “’I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU’”
Rhonda Vincent, singer-songwriter: “It would take a lifetime to express the love and gratitude I have for Dolly Parton. She was a true friend and mentor, even making a trip from Nashville to Greentop, Missouri when I had a life threatening illness. She said, “I had to make sure you’re okay myself.” Her work ethic was unmatched, and although she was a world icon, she was as down to earth your next door neighbor. I will ALWAYS love you Dolly!!”
Crystal Gayle, singer: “When I was growing up in Wabash, Indiana, I would sit on the floor in front of our TV on Saturday afternoons waiting for the Porter Waggoner show to come on. I couldn’t wait for Dolly to sing. I loved her voice and songs and how beautiful she was. I thought Dolly was an angel. When I first met her, I realized that she was. We will always love and miss our Dolly.”




