Celebrities Mourn Death Of Dolly Parton, Country Music Legend

People around the world paid their respects to country music legend Dolly Parton after her family announced her death at the age of 80 on Tuesday.

Parton’s nephew, Bryan Seaver, shared the heartbreaking news in a video on his aunt’s Instagram page.

“This video announcement is something Dolly asked of me years ago, before I fully absorbed it as a future reality,” he said. “As her head of security for more than two decades, a role my father Larry held before me, I have imagined the heaviness of this moment but haven’t truly felt it til now.”

“It is an honor that is mixed with absolute pride and great sadness. But sadness lies with us, not with Dolly,” he shared.

A message from the family of Dolly Parton. pic.twitter.com/9DNRgRx0uH

— Dolly Parton (@DollyParton) August 25, 2026

Celebrities expressed their shock and sadness at the news, and shared memories of their time with the late singer.

“We will always love you, Dolly,” dancer Julianne Hough wrote on the Instagram post announcing Parton’s death, while singer Jack White simply wrote “Instant Sainthood.”

“Dolly. 💔 This really really hurts,” singer Kacey Musgraves shared on X. “The world feels a lot less sparkly all of a sudden.”

“So glad she’s with her Carl Dean,” Musgraves said of Parton’s late husband, before adding: “No one talk to me today.”

Country singer Reba McEntire posted a photo of herself with her “buddy Dolly,” after she got the news that Parton “passed onto the higher and greater side.”

“There will never ever be another you,” McEntire wrote. “We will remember and cherish every memory and every note you ever played and sang. Thank you, Lord, for Dolly. She’s gonna have a blast in heaven singing all her favorite songs with all her family and friends who have gone on before her. I’ll never forget the first time I met you and I’ll never forget our last conversation. I hold it with love in my heart. I will always love you, Reba.”

Julia Roberts, who starred in “Steel Magnolias” alongside Parton, told Page Six that “Dolly was a magical and joyous human. I hold knowing her as a treasure in my life. The sun has dimmed today.”

Donald Trump also shared a tribute to the singer, and announced that he would be lowering the American flag in her honor.

“Very sad to report that Dolly Parton, one of the greatest Country singers, and far beyond, EVER, has just passed away,” the president shared in a Truth Social post. “This is a true loss for millions of people. There has never been anyone like her, and never will. In her honor, I am lowering the American flag throughout the United States for a one week period beginning tonight at 6:00PM. Rest in Peace, Dolly! The World loves you.”

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The world feels a lot less sparkly all of a sudden.

— K A C E Y (@KaceyMusgraves) August 25, 2026

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What a sad day for America what a sad day for the world what a sad day for the pardon family. Dolly! We will miss you in more ways than one can say you were a treasure on this earth.

— Henry Winkler (@hwinkler4real) August 25, 2026

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Dolly Parton was one of the great entertainers of our era. She was not only a talented musician & songwriter, but a lifelong philanthropist and advocate for literacy, education, LGBTQ+ rights, healthcare and disaster relief.

Her music and humanity touched millions. She will be…

— Sen. Bernie Sanders (@SenSanders) August 25, 2026

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Damn. RIP Dolly. What a singular force she was. https://t.co/rSOPFuRjkx

— Kaitlan Collins (@kaitlancollins) August 25, 2026

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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. pic.twitter.com/kKOuTrcFo9

— Colman Domingo (@colmandomingo) August 25, 2026

Dolly Parton seemed as close to total goodness as any mere mortal could come. She united us all in our love and admiration for her and, now, in mourning her.
God bless you Dolly. R.I.P.

— Megyn Kelly (@megynkelly) August 25, 2026

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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… pic.twitter.com/xVf2ZokZLO

— Seth MacFarlane (@SethMacFarlane) August 25, 2026

Dolly Parton was an absolute American icon and legend. Singular in her impact, love, talent, music, kindness, passion and strength. There never was nor ever will be another like her.

There are almost no words to express what a loss this is for America, she was one of the few… pic.twitter.com/rZYWUCMJop

— Meghan McCain (@MeghanMcCain) August 25, 2026

Rest in peace, Dolly Parton – a true legend and force for good.

May her memory be a blessing. https://t.co/mK7wQhH54s

— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) August 25, 2026

Heartbroken to hear about Queen @DollyParton’s passing 😭💔 She was a true icon and such an inspiration to me. Her talent, heart and kindness touched so many lives, and she truly left this world better than she found it 🥹✨ Sending all my love to her family, friends and everyone… pic.twitter.com/FdKC6sPTGf

— Paris Hilton (@ParisHilton) August 25, 2026

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I cannot believe the world has lost @DollyParton OMG. I loved Dolly. Everyone loved Dolly! https://t.co/KVVLdnfECf

— Boy George (@BoyGeorge) August 25, 2026

It is indeed rare for the world, collectively, to express sorrow for someone’s passing. I knew her to be the angel that they think she was, and I’ll miss her. Dolly, I’ll always love you. -Trace@DollyParton pic.twitter.com/CtzwcbD6sA

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— Trace Adkins (@TraceAdkins) August 25, 2026