Dolly Parton Dies at 80: Global Tributes from Music, Politics, and Fashion

Dolly Parton, the iconic country singer, died on Tuesday at age 80 after a brief battle with cancer, her team confirmed to CBS. The news prompted an outpouring of tributes from across the music industry, politics, and fashion. Sir Paul McCartney called her a 'magnificent star', Oprah Winfrey said she 'brought the light', and Sir Elton John dubbed her a 'giant of an artist' who was 'irreplaceable'. Taylor Swift, who began her career in Nashville, praised Parton's 'true grace and true grit', while Beyoncé, who covered 'Jolene' on her 2024 album 'Cowboy Carter', called her the 'barometer' and 'north star'. Miley Cyrus, Parton's goddaughter, collaborated with her on a remix of 'Wrecking Ball', and Sabrina Carpenter worked with her in 2025 on a remix of 'Please Please Please'. Reba McEntire, Eminem, Melissa Etheridge, Rod Stewart, Mick Jagger, Cyndi Lauper, Gloria Estefan, and many others shared personal memories. Political figures including US President Donald Trump, who ordered flags lowered, and former President Bill Clinton also paid tribute. Fashion designer Donatella Versace and actors like Jamie Lee Curtis and Keke Palmer remembered her kindness. Parton was known for hits like 'I Will Always Love You', her philanthropy in children's literacy, and her roles in films like '9 to 5' and 'Steel Magnolias'.