The 53-year-old rapper has described the late country music legend, who passed away on Tuesday aged 80, as "an icon" even for someone in the hip-hop world.
"I'm sorry we never got a chance to meet, but getting this note from Dolly really had an impact on me," he wrote on X.
"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."
Alongside his tribute, the Lose Yourself hit maker - whose real name is Marshall Mathers - shared a letter Parton sent him after they were both inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as part of the 2022 class alongside the likes of Carly Simon, Lionel Richie, the Eurythmics and more.
She wrote: "Marshall (Eminem),
"Congratulations on your induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Your performance was amazing and everybody said so.
"Even though I don't know a lot about rap music, I've come to know that you are the very best at it.
"Aside from that I hope what I have to say will not seem weird or strange but I have always felt some unexplained connection to you like I know you somehow."
Parton revealed she had wanted to get the chance to chat to Slim Shady at the ceremony, while admitting she used to "hate" the over the top, hectic nature of similar events.
She said: "I had hoped to meet you at the show but you know how nuts those things are, personally I hate 'em and I missed my chance but maybe someday we'll meet.
"In the meantime, keep doing what you're doing because you do it so well and no matter how complex your world may be just know you are very special and touch people in ways you don't even know.
"With love and respect, Dolly Parton".
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