Dolly Parton will be remembered for her legacy of “great music that people will treasure forever”, Andy Burnham has said.
Speaking to reporters at a supermarket in London, the Prime Minister said: “I was a huge fan of what Dolly did around literacy around the world.
“I was culture secretary when her libraries were first coming through and the books that went into communities across Britain. What a legacy to leave.
“It was so moving to hear about her dad and how that experience made her want to give back so much.
“She leaves that legacy as well as, obviously, great music that people will treasure forever.”
Sir Paul McCartney described Parton as a “magnificent star” who he met at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee, country music’s most well-known venue.
He said in a social media post: “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.
“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. I am so proud to have known her and admire her unique talents.
“Thanks Dolly for the beautiful music you gave me and the whole world. We will always love you, god bless and rest in peace. You were the best.”
Eminem called Parton a “superstar” and shared a heartfelt letter she wrote to him after they were both inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2022.
The rapper, whose real name is Marshall Mathers, wrote: “I’m sorry we never got a chance to meet, but getting this note from Dolly really had 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.”
In her latter to Mathers, Parton congratulated him on his induction and said she hoped that they would get to meet someday.
Sir Elton John shared a photo of the pair on stage together and wrote: “Shocked and devastated to hear of Dolly’s passing. A giant of an artist – unique and irreplaceable, with the kindest heart.”
Joan Collins posted a photo of her and Parton together and wrote: “Goodbye to a true icon of music – darling.”
Popstar Sabrina Carpenter also paid tribute to the country star, who featured on the deluxe version of her song Please Please Please.
She said in a post on Instagram: “I will cherish our laughter and conversations and I will keep your wisdom, your playful outlook on life, and perfect sense of humor in my pocket for the rainy days.
“There will never be another you and how lucky are we all to have experienced your singular magic as well as your once in a lifetime voice, songs, and heart.
“Your light will be something the world will search forever to find again. I will always love you.”
JK Rowling wrote: “Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library was the best contribution to child literacy ever made by a celebrity. Our paths crossed once, in the 90s, backstage at a talk show, and I was completely tongue-tied and starstruck. RIP Dolly. You were a complete, irreplaceable one-off.”
Priscilla Presley also paid tribute, noting the special place Parton’s song I Will Always Love You held for her.
She wrote: “I will always remember our conversations, and especially the connection we shared through a song that holds such a personal place in my heart – I Will Always Love You.
“After Elvis and I left the courthouse following our divorce, he sang that song to me as we walked down the steps together. Years later, I shared that memory with Dolly.”
Actress Julia Roberts paid tribute to her Steel Magnolias co-star, telling Page Six in a statement: “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.”
Meanwhile fashion designer Donatella Versace wrote on Instagram: “The world has lost one of the kindest and most generous of souls, the greatest of story tellers and a true legend of music. So many lives were made better because of you. Thank you Dolly, for everything.”
Sharing a photo of them together, actress Lily Tomlin said she had “no words”, also sharing a broken heart emoji.
The pair were lifelong friends, also starring in the 1980 film 9 To 5 alongside Jane Fonda.
Singer Carole King said her “heart was breaking”. She wrote: “In addition to her musical talents, she was an exemplary human being.”
Country singer Billy Ray Cyrus said Parton recently messaged him to say that she “loved me with her whole heart” adding that 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.
He said: “Like every little boy, I grew up loving Dolly Parton. She was a part of our lives, on our TVs, right in our living rooms.
“In 1992, 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!'”
Former US president Barack Obama said it was “hard to imagine many people having a bigger impact than Dolly Parton”.
He wrote on X: “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.
“What a life. Michelle and I are thinking of Dolly’s family and her many, many fans.”
Echoing his sentiments, former president Joe Biden called Parton an “American original”.
He said in a post on X: “Dolly treated everyone with kindness and respect. She lived her values with a flair and vitality for life that was uniquely her own. She was a trailblazer in every sense of the word, and she will be missed by millions around the world.”
Former First Lady Hillary Clinton wrote: “Dolly Parton did all the good she could, for all the people she could, for as long as ever she could.
“From her legendary songwriting to the Imagination Library – which sent 1 million books a month to children across the country – she was the best of America. Dolly, we’ll miss your great heart.”
Actress Jamie Lee Curtis added: “Thank you, Dolly. For all of it.”
Country singer Reba McEntire made a personal tribute to her “buddy Dolly” and wrote on Instagram: “Your love, your music and you gave so much with your huge, huge heart. There will never ever be another you.”
Singer Dionne Warwick – who collaborated with Parton on the 2023 song Peace Like A River – said in a post on X and Instagram: “I will certainly miss her laughter, jokes and her being. Rest well and in total peace my friend. My heart is heavy.”
In a series of online posts on X, country music star Kacey Musgraves shared: “Dolly. This really hurts. The world feels a lot less sparkly all of a sudden. So glad she’s with her Carl Dean. No one talk to me today.”
Fellow country singer Keith Urban shared: “Heartbroken today. Honestly… I have no words right now.”
Seth Macfarlane, who worked with Parton on sci-fi comedy series The Orville, wrote that it was an “extraordinary” experience and said her “kindness, generosity, and authenticity” was evident from the beginning.
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”.
Singer 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 Sir Tom Jones said Parton’s death had left a “great emptiness”.
Singer and actress Kristen Chenoweth, who recorded a version of I Will Always Love You with Parton in 2019, and said she is “heartbroken”, describing the singer has her “ultimate inspiration”.
In 1986, Miss Piggy and Kermit appeared on her TV variety show, Dolly, with The Muppets’ official Instagram page also paying tribute.
It shared: “She filled the world with light and we are so grateful for every second we got to spend with her onstage and off.”
Actor Colman Domingo shared: “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.”
Meanwhile, 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 Sir Mick Jagger honoured the singer in a heartfelt tribute on Instagram including a photograph of the pair together.
He said: “What a wonderful songwriter and singer Dolly was. She brought so many people together, we will all miss her so much.”
TV presenter Oprah Winfrey said one of her fondest memories with Parton was “having a hoot and a holler while wearing Bob Mackie gowns on her show Dolly.”
She added: “No one like her. She brought the light, and we are all better because she was here.”
Actress Bette Midler said she was “devastated” and described Parton’s voice as “pure gold” with a “heart to match”.
“I’m sure the nation will mourn her as I do, and for many years to come,” she added, “what a terrible, terrible loss”.
Parton appeared on her sitcom Bette where the pair sang a rendition of her song Islands In The Stream.
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