Following Dolly Parton’s death at the age of 80 on August 25 after a brief battle with cancer, fellow entertainment icons Liza Minnelli and Reba McEntire have shared emotional public tributes. Minnelli remembered her late friend’s intuition during personal struggles, while country star McEntire celebrated Parton’s five-decade musical legacy and massive global impact.
Liza Minnelli’s Emotional Tribute and Memoir Memories
Liza Minnelli joined the global wave of mourning for Dolly Parton following the country music icon’s death after a secret cancer battle. Opening her public statement with her signature “Hey Kids,” Minnelli described the news as devastating and reflected on a friendship anchored by mutual connections and shared creative projects.
The two legendary performers were brought together by their mutual agent, Sam Haskell, who worked with Parton for 44 years. Haskell represented not only Minnelli and Parton, but also Michael Feinstein, Minnelli’s longtime best friend and musical collaborator and the co-writer of her new memoir Kids, Wait ‘Til You Hear This! That introduction blossomed into both a close personal friendship and artistic collaboration, notably when Feinstein recorded his Gershwin Country album. Minnelli Executive Produced the project, which featured a hit duet of Love Is Here To Stay sung by Parton.
“The sound we hear isn’t thunder; it’s hearts cracking all over the world. No. It can’t be true. @dollyparton joined the celestial choir. This is devastating for so many reasons. I love Dolly. And she was always a truly supportive friend. We cheered each other on many times. When I was in trouble? Dolly knew it.”
Beyond the recording studio, Minnelli recalled the lighter moments of their bond, noting the spicy girl gossip they exchanged over “great mealsthey shared after visiting each other's concerts. More profoundly, Minnelli pointed to Parton’s emotional intelligence during difficult periods in her own life, writing,When I was in trouble? Dolly knew it,” presumably in reference to her own struggles with addiction and a turbulent love life that included four divorces.
Finding herself at a loss for words from grief, Minnelli also quoted extensively from the statement Haskell gave about Parton’s death to People, in which Haskell hailed Parton as a woman of profound faith, dazzling humor, extraordinary integrity and boundless generosity. Minnelli had previously posted a glowing Instagram tribute to Parton in January when the Queen of Country celebrated what turned out to be her final birthday, writing, You are a national treasure and everyone celebrates you. Thank you for giving from your heart each day.
Reba McEntire Remembers Her Longtime Friend
Reba McEntire also shared a heartfelt remembrance after Parton’s nephew, Bryan Seaver, announced her death Tuesday (Aug. 25). McEntire took to Instagram shortly afterward to remember her longtime friend in the country music industry.
“Well, I just got the news that my buddy Dolly passed onto the higher and greater side… Dolly, thank you 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. We will remember and cherish every memory and every note you ever played and sang.”
Morgan Myles Pays Tribute to Dolly Parton at the Grand Ole Opry Just Hours After Her Passing
Reba McEntire
McEntire thanked Parton for her monumental contributions to music and her immense generosity. Their friendship spanned decades in the music industry where both women carved out enduring paths. Recalling their history, McEntire noted, I'll never forget the first time I met you, and I'll never forget our last conversation, adding, I hold it with love in my heart. I will always love you.
Seaver announced Parton’s death in an emotional Instagram video, explaining that she had asked him years ago to deliver the news when the time came, noting that Dolly has lived in the light and is in the arms of Jesus, surely met by Carl, her parents, and countless others who have watched her and longed to meet her in the heavens. McEntire ended her tribute by imagining Parton reunited with the people she loved, writing, Thank you, Lord, for Dolly. She's gonna have a blast in heaven singing all her favorite songs with all her family and friends who have gone on before her.
As cultural institutions and fans process the loss, audiences are returning to Parton’s cinematic work. Two of her best-known films, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas and Steel Magnolias, have returned to cinemas following her death, giving audiences an opportunity to revisit some of her most memorable performances.
Photo: tribune.com.pk
Parton leaves behind a career spanning more than five decades. She released her debut album, Hello, I’m Dolly, in 1967 and went on to become the best-selling female country music artist of all time, with more than 160 million albums sold worldwide. Her catalog includes “Jolene,” “9 to 5,” and I Will Always Love You, songs that became defining parts of country music and popular culture as friends, collaborators, and admirers continue to honor her legacy.
Dolly Parton’s sister shares her own tribute to the queen of country
