NASHVILLE — Tributes have poured in from around the world following the death of American country music legend Dolly Parton, with fellow artistes describing her as an extraordinary talent whose music, generosity and humanity touched generations.
Singer Katy Perry described Parton as “glam, funny, and kind,” while Taylor Swift said a world without the country music icon “doesn’t feel possible, real, or right.”
Swift said Parton’s legacy would remain everlasting because of the countless lives she changed for the better.
Sir Paul McCartney also mourned Parton, describing her as a bubbly and lively woman whose songwriting, singing and philanthropy were unrivalled in country music.
“The magnificent star Dolly Parton has died and it is so sad. She was such a wonderful woman,” McCartney said.
Other musicians and entertainers, including Kacey Musgraves, Elton John, Billy Ray Cyrus and Reba McEntire, also paid tribute to the country music icon, praising her talent, warmth, generosity and influence.
Parton died on Tuesday at the age of 80 following a brief battle with cancer, according to her family and representatives. She died in Nashville, Tennessee.
Fans have also been paying tribute to the singer, leaving flowers, balloons and cards in remembrance of a performer whose career spanned more than six decades.
Parton wrote and recorded hundreds of songs, including global hits such as Jolene, 9 to 5 and I Will Always Love You. Her music established her as one of the most influential figures in country music.
Beyond music, Parton devoted decades to philanthropy, particularly child literacy through her Imagination Library, which provides free books to children.
She also built a successful business empire around her distinctive personal brand, while maintaining a reputation for humour, humility and generosity.
Parton was born into a large family in rural Tennessee and grew up in poverty before rising to international stardom as a singer, songwriter, actress, entrepreneur and philanthropist.
Her death has been widely described as the loss of a unique cultural figure whose influence extended beyond music to business, entertainment and humanitarian work.
