Following the death of Dolly Parton on Tuesday (Aug. 25) at the age of 80, those who worked with the country icon and others across the music industry are remembering the singer and songwriter’s impact across her 60-year career.
Parton was named Billboard’s Top Country Artist of All Time, with the singer having scored 25 No. 1s on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart, the most of any woman, and 49 top 10s on Billboard’s Country Albums chart. In addition to her success as a songwriter and recording artist, Parton has long been recognized for her business acumen.
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She co-owned Dollywood, a theme park located in her hometown of Pigeon Forge, Tenn., and she also operated the Imagination Library — a program that mails free books to children from birth until they first begin school. She had also been a co-owner of Sandollar Productions alongside her former manager, Sandy Gallin, which produced Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Father of the Bride and Sabrina, among others.
See below for all the reactions. We will update this story as more come through.
Sarah Trahern, CEO, Country Music Association
“At the end of the day, few artists define Country Music better than the one-word, Dolly. Over her decades-long career, I worked with her on a number of programs. She was always the most professional in every setting, often walking off the bus in heels and hair and makeup ready to go, before expected and before the cast and crew. However, along with the music, our biggest loss today is her work as a philanthropist and the genuine difference she has made in people’s lives throughout the world. There will only ever be one Dolly.”
Academy of Country Music
“The Academy is deeply saddened by the passing of Dolly Parton. She leaves behind a legacy that reaches far beyond the stage. Through her unmistakable voice, unforgettable songs, generosity and larger-than-life spirit, she touched generations and made the world a little brighter.
“A member of the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Grand Ole Opry, Dolly was a 14-time ACM Award recipient and three-time host of the ACM Awards. She gave us some of country music’s most enduring songs and moments, and at this year’s ACM Honors, she was honored with the ACM Poet’s Award — a beautiful recognition of the songwriter whose words became a part of so many lives.
“As we look back on these ACM moments, we’re reminded of the incredible mark Dolly left on country music and on all those who grew up with her songs. Her music will live on, carrying her voice and her story forward for generations to come.
“Rest in peace, Dolly.”
View this post on InstagramSony Music Group
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of singer-songwriter, music legend, actress, author, businesswoman and philanthropist Dolly Parton. Every superlative you could apply to her would be accurate.
“Dolly was a monumental talent and trailblazer whose extraordinary artistry touched millions around the globe. For nearly three decades, we were lucky she called our record labels and publishing company home. She made songs that became part of our shared vocabulary and crossed genres and generations.
“Her generosity was as extraordinary as her talent. She created opportunities for others that she herself never had. Dolly showed that an artist’s legacy is measured not only in songs, but in lives changed.
“We send our deepest condolences to her family, friends and fans around the world.
“We will always love you.”
Kyle Young, CEO, Country Music Hall of Fame
“Dolly Parton’s legacy is not celebrity, but humanity. She was a champion of equality and literacy. She was a picture of dignity, even when dressed outrageously. Anyone who seeks to be more like Dolly is on the right track, but they’ll never get to the finish line. She came from poverty to become the most important native of Tennessee. She shared her fortunes for the good of all of us, and shared her soul in every note she sang.”
View this post on InstagramRock & Roll Hall of Fame
“Rest in peace, Dolly Parton ?
“Today we honor 2022 Inductee @dollyparton, a groundbreaking singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, performer, actor, and media mogul.
Throughout her illustrious career, she has composed over 3,000 songs, including ‘Jolene,’ ‘I Will Always Love You,’ ‘9 to 5,’ and ‘Coat of Many Colors.’ A passionate philanthropist, Parton has also supported literacy and childhood development through her Dollywood Foundation and Imagination Library.
“During her 2022 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, Dolly Parton performed her iconic 1973 hit ‘Jolene’ with a little help from Rob Halford, Sheryl Crow, Annie Lennox, Pat Benatar, Zac Brown, and many others.”
View this post on InstagramRusty Gaston, CEO, Sony Music Publishing Nashville
“There are icons and there are superstars… and then there’s Dolly Parton. A songwriter without equal, she set the standard for telling the human story through song, capturing life’s truths with honesty, warmth and grace. She wrote from a genuine heart that touched people from the hills of eastern Tennessee to every corner of the globe. Miss Dolly, we will always love you.”
View this post on InstagramWarner Records
“There will never be another Dolly Parton.
“A once-in-a-lifetime artist, songwriter and human being whose music and spirit changed the world. Rest in peace, Dolly. Your light will shine forever.”
View this post on InstagramDollywood
“With heavy hearts, the Dollywood family mourns the passing of our beloved Dreamer-in-Chief, Dolly Parton. Everyone at Dollywood shares the sorrow of countless people around the world touched by Dolly’s warmth, wisdom and generous spirit.
“Dolly’s heartfelt wish was that Dollywood always remain a place of joy, hope and togetherness — a space where families and friends could honor her memory, not with silence, but with laughter, music and shared dreams.
“Dolly’s enduring legacy extends beyond her music and generosity to her remarkable work ethic — an inspiration to people everywhere. In her spirit, Dollywood will be open Wednesday as Dolly wanted, always reminding everyone with her signature sparkle — “the show must go on.” Together, we honor her by carrying forward her message of love, perseverance, and hope.”
Eugene Naughton, president, Dollywood Parks & Resorts
“The greatest privilege of my life has been helping Dolly bring her dreams to life at Dollywood. Dolly’s heart was as vast as the mountains she cherished, and her compassion knew no bounds. She inspired generations to dream boldly and love deeply. While we grieve her loss, we are honored and committed to carry her light forward. Her legacy will continue to shine in every melody sung, every smile she shared and every dream kindled within these gates.”
Grand Ole Opry
“It is with the heaviest of hearts that we say goodbye to a true country music icon, Opry member Dolly Parton.
“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. May her legacy live on through her songs, the lives she touched, and the countless artists she inspired. There will never, ever be another one like her.
“We will always love you, Dolly.”
View this post on InstagramScott Borchetta, CEO of Big Machine Records
“Always the most gracious and brightest light… which shall never be extinguished… love you, Dolly….”
View this post on InstagramJacqueline Saturn, president of North America, Virgin Records
“Growing up in Tennessee hard to explain how much she meant to us,” Saturn wrote on her Instagram story. “Our forever hero. So many life lessons from this extraordinary human being.”
Big Machine
“A legend, an icon, and someone we will never forget. Remembering Dolly Parton forever and always.”
View this post on InstagramSarah Kate Ellis, president and CEO, GLAAD
“Dolly Parton was not only the ‘Queen of Country Music’, but indeed the queen of inclusivity and philanthropy. Her support for LGBTQ people spans decades, from the 1990s with her track ‘Family,’ where she expressed that all should be welcome regardless of religion or sexual orientation; to the powerful ballad “Travelin’ Thru,” which Parton penned for the film “TransAmerica” and earned her an Oscar nomination; to her early support of marriage equality in 2009, well before its legalization. Parton’s warm spirit, kindheartedness and joie de vivre deeply resonated with the LGBTQ community, cementing her as a global queer icon whose art always held space for outsiders, no matter the risk. Parton’s entire career was built on love and respect for all, and her unwavering allyship is a legacy that will last forever.”
Tim Cook
“Dolly Parton’s music helped light up the world. She was a brilliant songwriter, cultural icon and dedicated philanthropist who helped instill a love of reading and learning in millions of children around the world. May she rest in peace.”
Dolly Parton’s music helped light up the world. She was a brilliant songwriter, cultural icon, and dedicated philanthropist who helped instill a love of reading and learning in millions of children around the world. May she rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/TfOcr6e2oe
— Tim Cook (@tim_cook) August 25, 2026Tino Gagliardi, president, American Federation of Music International
“Before she was an icon, Dolly was a working musician. Dolly never forgot the musicians who helped bring her music to life. By standing firm for solidarity and treating every player with dignity, she elevated our entire profession.”
Dave Pomeroy, president of Local 207, American Federation of Music
“Throughout her 58 years as a proud member in good standing of Local 257, she set the gold standard for supporting her band and fellow musicians. Dolly and her team consistently filed AFM union contracts for gigs, sessions and tours, ensuring that the bands, singers and studio musicians working alongside her received the benefits of union membership.”
United Talent Agency (UTA)
“The entire UTA family is incredibly saddened by the passing of the great Dolly Parton.
“An icon and a trailblazer whose music continues to inspire generations around the globe, her talent, generosity, and spirit were boundless, and she symbolized hope for millions.
“Our thoughts are with her loved ones, and we mourn alongside the countless fans she touched over a legendary, 70-year career. Her music will live on forever.”
Neil Warnoke MBE, partner and co-head of U.K. music, UTA
“Dolly was just Dolly. She started with a vision and never took her foot off the gas. I was incredibly fortunate to be part of her life and to witness, alongside her manager Danny Nozell, the energy and ambition she brought to every chapter of her extraordinary career. It was a privlege to know her and to play a part in her journey.
“The star. The songwriter. The entrepreneur. The philanthropist. She did it all, and she did it in her own imitable way. We’ll miss her dearly.”
Smithsonian
“We remember Dolly Parton, singer, musician, songwriter, actor, and businesswoman. Known as the “queen of country,” Parton was a mainstay in American popular culture for six decades.
“With grit, boldness, and a cup of ambition, Parton earned national fame at an early age. In 1967, she joined country singer Porter Wagoner on the television variety program ‘The Porter Wagoner Show.’ Over the next decade, Parton released chart-topping hits, including ‘Jolene’ and ‘I Will Always Love You,’ later covered by singer Whitney Houston in 1992.
“More recently, her collaborations with musicians Beyoncé, Miley Cyrus and Sabrina Carpenter More recently, her collaborations with musicians Beyonce, Miley Cyrus, and Sabrina Carpenter introduced her to a new generation of music fans. Parton was awarded 11 Grammys, and she was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2022.
Outside of music, Dolly was a prolific philanthropist. Established in 1988, ‘The Dollywood Foundation,’ included programs that expanded childhood literacy through the ‘Imagination Library’ program, decreased dropout rates, and provided scholarships for continuing education.”
View this post on InstagramTHE•TEAM
“Today, we join Dolly Parton’s fans around the world in mourning the loss of an extraordinary artist, songwriter, storyteller, and human being.
“We at THE•TEAM are incredibly honored to represent Dolly Parton’s Threads: My Songs In Symphony — a deeply personal celebration of Dolly’s remarkable life and music, told through the songs and stories that she shared with the world.
“Dolly’s music crossed generations and genres, but her impact reached far beyond music. Her warmth, humor, generosity, and unmistakable spirit made the world a better place.
“We mourn alongside her family, fans, our music industry colleagues, and the countless people around the world whose lives she touched.
“Her voice, her stories, and the threads she wove through all our lives will endure.”
View this post on InstagramAaron Crisler, founder, Conduit Publicity
“I cannot believe this is real. It’s hard to put into words what Dolly Parton meant to me and how devastated I am at the news of Dolly’s passing.
“Dolly Parton’s YES completely changed my life. One year ago today, I got to tell her.
“I grew up a poor kid from a trailer park in Austell, Georgia, with dreams much bigger than the world around me. I started working in entertainment at 18 and eventually found myself performing at Dollywood. Standing on stages at a place Dolly created was already beyond anything that kid from Georgia could have imagined.
“But I had an even bigger dream: I wanted to sing with Dolly.
“In 2003, I found the courage to ask, and she said yes. We recorded a duet together called “High and Mighty.” Dolly’s “yes” changed my life. It gave me wings of confidence I had never had before and made me believe that maybe the dreams I thought were too big for me weren’t too big after all.
“At the time, I was singing Gospel music on the road and thought that would be my life forever. When that chapter ended, I prayed for God to open another door. He did, leading me first into photography and eventually to my calling in publicity.
“Since then, I’ve had the privilege of working with incredible people and projects, including Delilah, the Property Brothers, Gloria Gaynor, the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer benefit that Dolly headlined, a song called “When Pink is Just Another Color,” featuring Dolly, The Joyful Noise soundtrack and many others.Whenever I was afraid to approach a major client, make the big phone call or pursue an opportunity that seemed out of reach, I thought about Dolly: ‘I asked Dolly Parton to sing with me, and she said yes. If I can ask her, I can ask anyone to do anything! The worst they can say is no. But they just might say yes.'”
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