Stars react to Dolly Parton’s death: ‘The world feels a lot less sparkly’

Country music legend dead at the age of 80

Published Aug 25, 2026  •  4 minute read

Dolly Parton performs on the Pyramid Stage on the final day of the 2014 Glastonbury Festival. Photo by LEON NEAL /AFP via Getty Images

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The death of country music superstar Dolly Parton led to an outpouring of tributes on social media.

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Parton’s family announced the Jolene singer died peacefully Tuesday afternoon in Nashville at the age of 80, calling her a “global icon and humanitarian.”

“A rhinestone life that shone bright enough for the world to see, Dolly will forever stand as an inspiration not only through her timeless music and prolific songwriting, but also her wit, warmth and kindness that made us all feel like family,” read a message on her Instagram page. “Dolly Parton’s legacy is one of love, compassion and resilience. … Her songs will continue to resonate with people of all ages, and her philanthropic work will have a lasting impact.”

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The statement went on to reveal that Parton’s immediate family will hold a small, private service for the star.

“Dolly’s fans and friends from around the world are encouraged to pay tribute to Dolly on social media by tagging @DollyParton or by leaving a message at www.dollyparton.com,” the message continued. “In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations to be made to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library at www.imaginationlibrary.com.”

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‘There will never ever be another you’

Parton’s many friends in the music community and her legion of fans were quick to pay tribute to the Grammy winner.

On X, Kacey Musgraves said Parton’s death “really hurts.”

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“The world feels a lot less sparkly all of a sudden. So glad she’s with her (late husband) Carl Dean. No one talk to me today.”

Singer Sheryl Crow said Parton’s death had left “a hole in the universe.”

“Well, I just got the news that my buddy Dolly passed onto the higher and greater side. Dolly, thank you for all the wonderful things you did for us here on earth. Your love, your music and you gave so much with your huge huge heart. There will never ever be another you,” country singer Reba McEntire wrote via Instagram and X.

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“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.”

‘A true country music icon’

On Truth Social, U.S. President Donald Trump called Parton’s death “a true loss for millions of people.”

“There has never been anyone like her, and never will,” he wrote.

Trump went on to add that he would be lowering the American flag across the U.S. for one week.

Parton’s friend and 9 to 5 co-star Lily Tomlin called her “The Great Harmonizer of Humanity” and “comedy treasure” on X.

Jamie Lee Curtis said Parton was “a great example for us all.”

“They say don’t meet your heroes. They were wrong about her. Her bravery to know that she was more than they thought she was and that she needed to break away and move on into new work and new possibilities led her to write ‘I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU,’ as her way of thanking and loving, but moving on,” she wrote on Instagram.

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Her Steel Magnolias co-star Sally Field said the world had lost an angel.

“If there are truly angels on earth, then we have just lost one. Dolly Parton,” Field wrote via Instagram. “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.”

Paris Hilton shared a message on X alongside a photo posing with the country legend.

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“Her talent, heart and kindness touched so many lives, and she truly left this world better than she found it,” Hilton wrote.

In a post on X, the Grand Ole Opry praised Parton for being “a true country music icon.”

“There is no doubt Dolly’s mark on the world, and on us here at the Grand Ole Opry, will be deeply felt for generations to come. She taught us to always lead with kindness, generosity, and compassion,” they wrote in part.

Meanwhile, Kelly Clarkson said Parton’s legacy was one of kindness.

“Dolly Parton had a way of making everyone feel special, and seen, and welcomed, and as if you were old friends,” she wrote on Instagram. “I will miss her heart and her voice as I am sure millions will.”

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