Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, Sir Paul McCartney and Sir Elton John have led an outpouring of tributes from celebrities and fans to Dolly Parton following the music icon’s death at the age of 80.
Swift said Parton’s “legacy will be an everlasting one”, while Beatles legend Sir Paul called her a “magnificent star”.
The Tennessee-born singer and songwriter died on Tuesday at the age of 80 after “a brief battle with cancer”, her team said in a statement.
Parton is known for iconic songs including Jolene, 9 to 5 and I Will Always Love You. She was also an actress and philanthropist, who helped fund one of the first Covid-19 vaccines and poured millions into improving children’s literacy.
Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift, who began her professional career in country music as a teen in Nashville, paid tribute to Parton’s “true grace and true grit, all in one dazzling person”.
“A world without Dolly doesn’t feel possible, real, or right,” the superstar said in a statement. “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.”
As well as “melodies and lyrics she wrote that thawed even the coldest of hearts”, Swift acknowledged “the millions of books she provided children all over the world so that they might fall in love with stories the way she did”.
Sir Paul McCartney
Sir Paul McCartney reflected on his history with Parton, which began when he met her in Nashville at the Grande Ole Opry just before she started her solo musical career.
“She was so bubbly and full of life, it is difficult to take in the news that she has passed,” he said. “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.”
Sir Elton
Sir Elton said he was “shocked and devastated” by the news. “A giant of an artist – unique and irreplaceable, with the kindest heart.”
Beyoncé
Beyoncé said Parton was the “barometer” and 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 humour, your entrepreneurship,” she wrote.
Cowboy Carter, Beyoncé’s 2024 country album, famously featured a rendition of Parton’s song Jolene.
Katy Perry
Katy Perry, who performed with Parton several times, described her as “a pure, sweet (but not saccharine) sassy, cup of joy”.
The singer wrote: “For me, she was an example of a woman who defied the stereotypes for decades. She proved that big boobs, big brains, and a big voice can all exist in one tiny body! But the biggest thing about her by far was her heart.”
Credit: bbc.com
