•Late US singer-songwriter Dolly Parton performs during the 37th Annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at the Microsoft Theatre on November 5, 2022, in Los Angeles, California
Americans united yesterday in grief over the death of country music legend Dolly Parton, voicing their appreciation for her music, her philanthropy and her film work — even across the political divide.
The singer, who has died at age 80, was long heralded as one of the few celebrities that everybody loved. True to form, she was mourned by figures across the entertainment world, and by politicians on both sides of the aisle, reports AFP.
“Instant sainthood,” rocker Jack White, who covered one of Parton’s most famous hits “Jolene,” said on Instagram.
Fellow country star Reba McEntire hailed Parton 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 star Kacey Musgraves took to X to mourn the passing of a legend of the genre.
“This really really hurts,” she wrote. “The world feels a lot less sparkly all of a sudden.”
President Donald Trump announced the lowering of flags across the United States for a week, calling Parton’s death a “true loss for millions of people.”
“Very sad to report that Dolly Parton, one of the greatest Country singers, and far beyond, EVER, has just passed away,” Trump posted on his Truth Social network.
“There has never been anyone like her, and never will.”
New York’s mayor, firebrand socialist Zohran Mamdani, said Parton’s passing was “truly heartbreaking.”
“Dolly Parton was an extraordinary person and an irreplaceable champion of the working class. We are a better country because of her.”
Democratic Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer wrote simply: “Rest in peace, Dolly Parton — a true legend and force for good. May her memory be a blessing.”
‘A Dimmer Place’
Lily Tomlin, Parton’s co-star in the 1980 film “9 to 5,” posted a black and white picture of the two of them decades earlier, captioning it simply: “No words.”
Actor, singer and “Family Guy” creator Seth MacFarlane wrote on X that “the world is a dimmer place without her.”
“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,” he wrote on X.
“Her kindness, generosity, and authenticity were evident from moment one, and the benign yet assured command she maintained over her empire was obvious from the genuine love and trust you could see from everyone who worked for her.”
Business titans also paid tribute to the Grammy winner.
Amazon founder Jeff Bezos posted a picture of him and Parton apparently at a dinner together.
“Dolly spent her whole life showing us what it means to lead with love. Lauren (Sanchez Bezos) and I are so grateful to have known her,” he said.
“She lifted everyone with her music, her generosity, and her joy.”
Apple’s Tim Cook said the singer’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,” he wrote on social media.
