* It’s hard to imagine many people having a bigger impact than Dolly Parton
* Born in a one-room cabin, she earned 11 Grammys and an Emmy, built a business empire, helped millions of kids learn to read
* As if that wasn’t enough, helped accelerate the research that led to the Moderna COVID vaccine
Maravi Express
Former U.S. President Barack Obama has joined the outpouring tributes following the passing queen of Country & Western music and humanitarian hero, Dolly Parton, aged 80/.
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A report by Fox News Digital, quotes Obama post on X, saying: “It’s hard to imagine many people having a bigger impact than Dolly Parton.
“Born in a one-room cabin, she earned 11 Grammys and an Emmy, built a business empire, helped millions of kids learn to read, and — as if that wasn’t enough — helped accelerate the research that led to the Moderna COVID vaccine.
“What a life. Michelle and I are thinking of Dolly’s family and her many, many fans,” he said.
‘Trailblazer in every sense of the word’—Joe Biden
Joe Biden, the US Vice-President during Obama’s tenure and later as President praised Dolly Parton as a “trailblazer in every sense of the word” while describing the country & western music legend as an “American original” and an “inspiration to millions”.
“Simply put, Dolly Parton was an American original. “She was an inspiration to millions; she was a relentless advocate for women and for equality.
“Through her Imagination Library, she placed the gift of reading into the hands of millions of children because she understood literacy is the foundation of opportunity.
“But perhaps most importantly, Dolly treated everyone with kindness and respect. She lived her values with a flair and vitality for life that was uniquely her own.
“She was a trailblazer in every sense of the word, and she will be missed by millions around the world.”
‘Bold and brilliant’—Beyoncé
Beyoncé paid tribute to Dolly Parton, remembering the country music icon as “bold and brilliant”.
Parton collaborated with Beyoncé on her 2024 album ‘Cowboy Carter’, and in a personal letter to Parton, Beyoncé expressed gratitude for the lessons the country legend passed along.
“You were the barometer. The North Star. Bold and brilliant. Talented and tenacious,” she wrote.
“You taught so many lessons on how to be uniquely oneself. I am grateful for your art, your heart, your generosity, your humor, your entrepreneurship. I’m honored that I had the privilege to work with you.”
Beyoncé said she would treasure their collaboration forever and thanked Parton for her “profound impact on the world”.
“You are an angel who has made this world a happier place because of your joyful art. You are truly one of one. Rest peacefully,” she wrote.
Paul McCartney, left, and his family chat with Dolly Parton, second from right, and Porter Wagoner backstage during the third annual Grand Masters Fiddling contest at Opryland on June 16, 1974
‘No greater honour than having Dolly Parton sing Beatles classic—Paul McCartney
Paul McCartney remembering Dolly as a “wonderful woman” whose musical talent and generosity were “unrivaled”.
McCartney recalled first meeting Parton at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, where she was performing with country star Porter Wagoner as her solo career was beginning.
“She was so bubbly and full of life it is difficult to take in the news that she has passed,” McCartney said. “Her songwriting, her singing and her philanthropy were unrivaled in the world of country music and it is hard to imagine living in a world without Dolly.
“She was a very clever businesswoman who understood the value of her music and, most importantly, the effect that she had on the people of the world.”
The Beatles star also said it was an honor to have Parton sing his hit song ‘Let It Be’, saying: “There was no greater honour for me than to have her sing my song ‘Let It Be‘ and, even though I only made a small contribution to it, I am so honoured that she did it.
“I am so proud to have known her and admire her unique talents. Thanks Dolly for the beautiful music you gave me and the whole world.
“We will always love you, God bless and rest in peace — you were the best,” wrote McCartney.
Elvis Presley sang Dolly Parton’s classic ‘I Will Always Love You’ after his divorce with Priscilla
In an emotional video statement, Priscilla Presley says Elvis Presley sang ‘I Will Always Love You’ to her as they walked away from the courthouse following their divorce.
Priscilla Presley remembers the country music icon as a kind and compassionate friend who shared a special connection with her through ‘I Will Always Love You’.
Presley posted the tribute on Facebook with Parton’s classic song playing in the background, explaining that it holds a deeply personal meaning for her.
“I am so saddened to hear of the passing of the incomparable Dolly Parton,” Presley began. “Dolly brought so much joy, kindness and beautiful music into this world.
“I will always remember our conversations, and especially the connection we shared through a song that holds such a personal place in my heart – ‘I Will Always Love You’.
Presley then revealed the song’s connection to her divorce from rock legend Elvis Presley: “After Elvis and I left the courthouse following our divorce, he sang that song to me as we walked down the steps together.
“Years later, I shared that memory with Dolly. Her music touched all of us, but it was Dolly’s warmth, humor and enormous heart that made her truly one of a kind.
“My thoughts and prayers are with her family and everyone who loved her. Rest in peace, Dolly. You will always be loved and never forgotten.”
‘She came from poverty to become the most important native of Tennessee’
The Country Music Hall of Fame honored one of its most legendary members known for timeless hits including ‘Jolene’, ‘9 to 5’ and the iconic ‘I Will Always Love You’.
“Dolly Parton’s legacy is not celebrity, but humanity,” Country Music Hall of Fame CEO Kyle Young said in a statement. “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.”
Dolly Parton refused to pick political sides for decades: ‘I’m not in politics, I’m an entertainer’
Dolly spent decades singing about love, heartbreak, faith and working ‘9 to 5’, but there was one arena the country music legend repeatedly resisted entering — partisan politics.
“I am not political, and I refuse to get caught up in political things,” Parton told USA Today in a 2020 interview. “I don’t like to get involved in politics, because first of all, I have as many Republican fans as I do Democrats.
“I don’t want to offend anybody, I have a right to myself. Like God gave us free will, America gave us free speech, but you’ve got to be responsible for anything you say and do.”
Two years earlier, Parton was repeatedly pressed about Donald Trump during an interview with ABC‘s David Wright, according to the Knoxville News Sentinel.
“I have a lot of fans out there, and I don’t want to offend anybody,” Parton said — and when Wright attempted to draw a parallel between Trump and the sexually abusive boss in Parton’s 1980 film ‘9 to 5’, she refused to bite.
“I’m not addressing that,” Parton said. “I learned a long time ago, keep your damn mouth shut if you want to stay in show business. … I’m not in politics, I’m an entertainer.”
When Wright pointed out that Parton was also a role model, she responded: “Yes I am. That’s why I don’t talk about people.”
The Legacies of the Three Legends
Dolly has passed on after two other iconic Country & Western music legends, Don Williams (September 8, 2017) and Kenny Rogers (March 20, 2020), who represent the absolute pinnacle of classic country and country-pop music.
Together, the three are celebrated globally for their legendary storytelling, distinct voices, and massive crossover hits.
Together, they formed the backbone of a golden era in music that redefined the genre for international audiences.
Tragically, as of August 25, 2026, all three of these legendary country music icons have passed away, marking the definitive end of an unforgettable musical era.
The music world deeply mourns the passing of these three titans, who frequently shared playlists, radio airwaves, and deep mutual respect throughout their decades-long careers.
Don Williams (1939–2017) was known affectionately as ‘The Gentle Giant’ for his smooth bass-baritone voice and laid-back delivery.
He passed away at the age of 78 and his iconic hits include ‘I Believe in You’ and ‘You’re My Best Friend’.
Kenny Rogers (1938–2020) was the master musical storyteller and actor, who passed away at the age of 81. Known for his raspy, soulful voice, his signature hits included ‘The Gambler’ and ‘Lucille’.
While they all dominated the country music landscape, their professional and personal lives intersected in deeply memorable ways:
Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers shared one of the most famous and beloved partnerships in music history with their famous duet, ‘Islands in the Stream’.
Written by the Bee Gees, the 1983 duet became a massive No. 1 pop and country smash hit and remains a timeless classic.
Though fans frequently speculated about a real-life romance, they maintained a strictly platonic, deeply loving, brother-and-sister relationship that spanned over 30 years.
Dolly was devastated by his passing in 2020, stating a “big old chunk of my heart has gone with him”.
While Don Williams did not record major duets with Parton or Rogers, he was their contemporary equal in reshaping country music.
His calm, unhurried style offered a perfect, grounded contrast to Rogers’ dramatic storytelling and Parton’s high-energy sparkle.—Reporting by Fox News Digital; editing by Duncan Mlanjira; Maravi Express
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