Dolly Parton remembered as beloved country music icon
Dolly Parton is being remembered as a country music icon following her death at 80.
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Beyonce, who worked with Parton on her 2024 album Cowboy Carter, paid tribute in a statement on her website.
"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 humor, your entrepreneurship.
"I'm honored 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."
Jane Fonda said she was devastated by the loss of her 9 to 5 co-star.
"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," Fonda wrote on Instagram.
"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."
Paul McCartney described Parton as a "magnificent star" and "wonderful woman".
"She was so bubbly and full of life ... it is hard to imagine living in a world without Dolly," he wrote.
"We will always love you, god bless and rest in peace. You were the best."
Julia Roberts paid tribute to her Steel Magnolias co-star, telling Page Six: "Dolly was a magical and joyous human. I hold knowing her as a treasure in my life. The sun has dimmed today."
Sally Field, who played M'Lynn Eatenton in the 1989 film, posted on Instagram: "If there are truly angels on earth, then we have just lost one. Dolly Parton. There will never be another. I adored her with all my heart and will always cherish our time together. Forever. Rest in peace beautiful Dolly."
Former US president Barack Obama said it was "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 Moderna COVID vaccine, he wrote on X.
President Donald Trump said he would honour the singer by lowering the US flag throughout the nation for a week.
Singer Carole King said her "heart was breaking".
"In addition to her musical talents, she was an exemplary human being," she wrote.
Country singer Billy Ray Cyrus said Parton recently messaged him to say that she "loved me with her whole heart" adding he will "always" love her in the same way.
Parton was also the godmother to his daughter, singer Miley Cyrus and appeared alongside the father-daughter duo on their Disney show Hannah Montana.
"I'll never forget walking into her dressing room to apologise for all the tabloid stories which claimed I was having an affair with her. In true Dolly fashion, she just looked at me, winked and said, 'Honey, this trash sells records!'"
Country singer Reba McEntire made a personal tribute to her "buddy Dolly".
"Your love, your music and you gave so much with your huge, huge heart. There will never ever be another you," she wrote on Instagram.
"I will always love you, Reba."
Dionne Warwick - who collaborated with Parton on the 2023 song Peace Like A River - said "I will certainly miss her laughter, jokes and her being. Rest well and in total peace my friend. My heart is heavy".
Australian country singer Keith Urban said he was "heartbroken today. Honestly… I have no words right now".
Country singer Shania Twain described Parton as "pure light sent from heaven" while actress Anne Hathaway wrote in an Instagram caption that Parton shared "shining examples of how to be a treasure of humanity".
Billy Joel wrote on Instagram: "Dolly Parton has transcended time and become one of those iconic artists who is known for just being Dolly, beyond a specific song or moment in time. I was one of the lucky ones whose music she covered."
Celine Dion described the singer as having a "kind heart and a generous spirit" and Welsh crooner Tom Jones said Parton's death had left a "great emptiness".
The Muppets' official Instagram page also paid tribute, saying "she filled the world with light and we are so grateful for every second we got to spend with her onstage and off".
US Senator 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".
Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger also posted a heartfelt tribute.
"What a wonderful songwriter and singer Dolly was. She brought so many people together, we will all miss her so much."
Oprah Winfrey said: "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".
"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."
Bette Middler said she was "devastated", describing Parton's voice as "pure gold" with a "heart to match".
"What a terrible, terrible loss".
The Academy also paid tribute to the country star who was also a two-time Oscar nominee and was honoured with the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian award last year for her "extraordinary compassion and generosity".
"Few stars could light up a screen, tell a story through a song, or find their way into our hearts quite like Dolly Parton," it said.