Dolly Parton’s unexpected death shocked the country, and tributes to the iconic country music star continue to flood across social media.
Parton died on Aug. 25, 2026, after a short battle with cancer that was not disclosed to the public, AP reported.
“After bravely facing a brief battle with cancer, Dolly departed her Earthly life today at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center surrounded by loved ones,” her publicist, Marcel Pariseau, said in a statement Tuesday.
Bryan Seaver, Parton’s nephew and longtime head of security, first announced the news on Tuesday, saying she “is in the arms of Jesus, surely met by Carl, her parents and countless others who have watched her and longed for her to meet them in the heavens.”
For KING + COUNTRY’s Joel and Luke Smallbone remembered their friendship with Parton, writing on Instagram, “Your love for us was so unexpected, and your kindness and love for the world was extraordinary. We will all miss you greatly.”
She collaborated with the brothers on a version of their song “God Only Knows,” released in 2019.
Great American Family actress Danica McKellar recalled working with Parton on the Christmas movie CHRISTMAS AT DOLLYWOOD.
“She was everything I always hoped she would be,” McKellar said of working on the movie together.
She recalled teaming up with Parton before that thanks to McKellar’s math book “Goodnight, Numbers,” which was part of Parton’s Imagination Library, and the actress also narrated a documentary about the book gifting program called THE LIBRARY THAT DOLLY BUILT.
“She surprised me during the recording,” McKellar recalled. “She was just incredible…she made everyone feel so great about themselves, no matter what, no matter who you were.”
Carrie Underwood remembered Parton’s faith and friendship.
Related: Dolly Parton, Faith-Filled Country Icon and Movieguide® Award Winner, Dies at 80
“She’s not gone. I know exactly where she is,” Underwood wrote on Instagram, calling Parton the “epitome of faith, grace, talent, beauty and humor.”
“She had a humble heart for Jesus and made everyone around her feel special. She was probably the one person on planet Earth that everyone loved and could agree on,” she continued. “She was a one of one and no one will ever come close. It’s alright to be sad that this world lost a legend, but heaven gained an angel. Well done, good and faithful Dolly. Welcome home.”
Kelly Clarkson echoed similar sentiments.
“Dolly Parton had a way of making everyone feel special, and seen, and welcomed, and as if you were old friends,” the singer wrote on Instagram. “I will miss her heart and her voice as I am sure millions will. What an incredible gift and talent she was and still is with an amazing catalogue of art she has left behind for all of us.”
Country singer Blake Shelton recalled working with Parton on THE VOICE, saying, “I want everyone to know that she was the EXACT person that you think she is. It was like being with the funnest, most loving, most caring and closest member of your family. Truly a loss for the entire world. We love you Dolly.”
Keep Parton’s family, friends and fans in your prayers as the mourn her death but rejoice knowing she’s home with Jesus.
Read Next: Friends and Fans Remember Dolly Parton: ‘Thank You, Lord, for Dolly’
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