Vin Diesel singing a Dolly Parton cover probably wasn’t on many people’s bingo cards after news of the country icon’s death broke this week, but such was her influence.
Since Parton’s death at 80 on Tuesday, which came after a “brief battle” with cancer, public figures from across the globe have paid tribute to the “Jolene” singer.
Few, however, have been as unique as Diesel’s.
On Wednesday, The Pacifier star, 59, shared a clip on Instagram of himself singing a soft and slow rendition of Parton’s 1974 romantic classic, “I Will Always Love You,” which became a global phenomenon in 1992 with Whitney Houston’s cover she recorded for The Bodyguard.
Played over a black and white photo of Parton’s face, fans were left speechless by Diesel’s soulful, emotional performance.
The post was quickly reshared on X, where it received some light mockery mixed with genuine awe.
“That's what Groot been saying all this time,” one person joked, referring to the actor’s Guardians of the Galaxy character.
“Dolly Parton got Vin Diesel singing and it its a damn serious tribute i don’t think i quite understood her impact,” added another.
“This the most honest and vulnerable thing I’ve heard in my entire life,” wrote a third.
“Please release the full version on streaming,” another person begged.
“Didn’t have ‘Crying to Vin Disel singing’ on my list today but here we are,” wrote a fifth.
Parton’s influence spanned all musical genres. After her death, rapper Eminem shared a heartfelt note he received from Parton in 2022 after he was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
“Even though I don’t know a lot about rap music, I’ve come to know that you are the very best at it,” the country star wrote in the note. “Aside from that I hope what I have to say will not seem weird or strange to you but I have always felt some unexplained connection to you like I know you somehow.
“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,” she continued. “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 & respect, Dolly Parton.”
However, not everyone’s homages to the late “9 to 5” singer have been well received.
Ricky Schroder — who played Parton’s father in the TV movies Dolly Parton’s Coat of Many Colors (2015) and its 2016 sequel, Dolly Parton’s Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love — is facing intense criticism for politicizing his tribute.
“I didnt agree with her advocating for Transgender & Covid Vaccine support…but Loved her anyway. Thank you for choosing me Dolly to be your Movie Daddy,” Schroder wrote on Instagram.
A number of celebrities were quick to call out the actor for sharing transphobic and anti-vaccine rhetoric in his supposed tribute to Parton.
“Ick,” Katie Couric wrote on Threads.
“Oh shut up,” Boy George responded on Instagram.
Lioness actor Jay Huguley added: “‘I loved her anyway’ what a strange tribute. Good Lord.”
Parton’s family have said she will have a small private funeral with no confirmed plans for a public memorial.
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