Americans were united in mourning Wednesday over the passing of country music legend Dolly Parton, giving thanks for her music, philanthropy and film work — even across the political divide.
The 80-year-old singer long was considered one of the few superstars everyone adored. As ever, she was mourned by personalities from throughout the entertainment world, and by lawmakers from across the aisle, says AFP.
“Instant sainthood,” tweeted artist Jack White, who covered one of Parton’s most famous singles, “Jolene.”
“Everything you did for us here on earth was wonderful,” fellow country star Reba McEntire said of Parton. Your big heart, your love and your music you offered so much. “There will never ever be another you.”
Country singer Kacey Musgraves took to X to pay tribute to a legendary figure of the genre.
“This hurts so much,” she wrote. “All of a sudden the world is feeling a lot less sparkly.”
President Donald Trump said flags would be lowered 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 said on his Truth Social network.
There never was and never will be anyone like her.
“Parton’s death is truly heartbreaking,” remarked the firebrand socialist mayor of New York, Zohran Mamdani.
“Dolly Parton was a remarkable woman and an exceptional advocate for the working class. She made our country a better.”
Rest in peace, Dolly Parton – a great 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” shared a black and white image of the two of them from decades ago with the caption: “No words.”
Actor, musician and “Family Guy” creator Seth MacFarlane posted on X that “the world is a darker place without her.”
“I had the rare privilege of working with her on ‘The Orville’ and it was a delight to find she really was the very person we all hoped she would be,” he wrote on X.
Her kindness, her generosity, her authenticity was visible the minute she walked into a room, and the gentle but firm control she had over her empire was obvious from the real love and trust everyone who worked for her had for her.
The Grammy winner also received praise from business heavyweights.
Amazon entrepreneur Jeff Bezos uploaded a picture of him and Parton reportedly dining together.
“Dolly’s been showing us what it means to lead with love her whole life. “I am so grateful to have known her,” Sanchez Bezos added. “Lauren (Sanchez Bezos) and I are so grateful to have known her.
Her music, her charity, her delight elevated us all.
“Singer’s music helped light up the world,” remarked Apple’s Tim Cook.
“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.
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