•••Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, Oprah and Other Global Stars Lead Tributes
Fidelia Soriwei, Abuja
Tributes have continued to pour in for legendary country music icon Dolly Parton following her death at the age of 80, with some of the world’s biggest entertainers celebrating her extraordinary legacy in music, film and philanthropy.
The acclaimed singer-songwriter died on Tuesday, with the news reportedly announced by her nephew, Bryan Seaver, who described the moment as one filled with both pride and sadness. Her passing also prompted United States President Donald Trump to order American flags to be flown at half-staff nationwide for one week in her honour.
Among those paying tribute was Beyoncé, who worked with Parton on her 2024 album Cowboy Carter. In a message published on her official website, the superstar wrote: “Dolly, you were the barometer. The north star. Bold and brilliant. Talented and tenacious. You taught so many lessons on how to be uniquely oneself.”
She added: “I’m honored that I had the privilege to work with you. I will treasure that forever. Thank you for your 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.”
Taylor Swift also reflected on Parton’s influence on generations of artists, saying: “A world without Dolly doesn’t feel possible, real, or right. But because of the eternally generous way she spent her time on this earth and the countless lives she changed for the better, her legacy will be an everlasting one.”
Media mogul Oprah Winfrey described the late entertainer as a source of inspiration and positivity, writing that Parton “brought the light, and we are all better because she was here. God bless you, Dolly; you earned your wings.”
Music legends Elton John and Paul McCartney also joined the chorus of tributes. McCartney said: “The magnificent star Dolly Parton has died and it is so sad. She was such a wonderful woman.”
Widely regarded as the “Queen of Country,” Parton built one of the most successful careers in music history, selling more than 100 million records worldwide, writing over 3,000 songs and winning 11 Grammy Awards. Her timeless hits include Jolene, 9 to 5 and I Will Always Love You.
Born on January 19, 1946, in rural Tennessee, Parton rose from humble beginnings to become a global entertainment powerhouse. She began performing as a child, moved to Nashville after high school and achieved national recognition through her partnership with country star Porter Wagoner before launching a hugely successful solo career.
Beyond music, she starred in films such as 9 to 5, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, Steel Magnolias and Joyful Noise, while also building a business empire that included the famous Dollywood theme park.
Parton was equally celebrated for her charitable work. Through the Dollywood Foundation’s Imagination Library, she promoted childhood literacy and supported numerous humanitarian causes, including medical research and disaster relief efforts. In 2022, she received the Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy.
Her death comes more than a year after the passing of her husband of nearly six decades, Carl Dean, who died in March 2025. In recent months, concerns about her health had grown after she postponed public appearances and delayed planned performances.
As fans across the world mourn her passing, tributes from fellow artists, political leaders and admirers continue to highlight the enduring impact of a woman whose music, generosity and cultural influence shaped generations and left an indelible mark on global entertainment.
