Dolly Parton famously said she could never be a judge on a reality TV show like “American Idol” or “The Voice,” revealing that both shows asked her many times to join their casts but she wouldn’t want to critique other singers. But in 2008, “American Idol” did dedicate a week of its seventh season to the icon, and she agreed to work with the contestants on their songs.
Shortly after Parton’s death was announced by her family on August 25, 2026, the show’s social media account posted a beautiful tribute to the music legend with a photo of her surrounded by the nine contestants she worked with on the show. Above the photo, it said, “We will always love you, Dolly,” with a blue heart and blue butterfly emoji.
‘American Idol’ Winner David Archuleta Shared How Much Dolly Parton’s Mentorship Meant to Him
The caption of the post from “American Idol” called Parton “a true American and worldwide Idol,” and its clear fans and show alums agree, as they flooded the post with reactions and memories.
“Whenever people ask me my favorite week on the show I always say it was Dolly week,” season seven winner David Archuleta wrote. “She showed us what it was to be a superstar and still have a heart of gold and keep grounded even after leaving a legacy like she has. She will be missed we need more Dollys in this world.”
Archuleta also spoke about Parton in a video he shared in March, recalling how she put him at ease when he was on the show, struggling to deal with huge expectations and pressures at age 17.
“I’m, like, really nervous to be singing one of her songs to her,” he recalled. “The song I chose was ‘Smoky Mountain Memories.’ I really felt connected to this longing to be back home, and so I was singing this, and Dolly Parton said, ‘I’m trying everything to not have these fake eyelashes fall off from crying!'”
He shared a clip of Parton telling producers that Archuleta was singing it with the emotion that was “exactly” how she’d felt when she wrote the tune, and he then said it was a “really sweet moment” because the message of the song felt so personal to him.
Dolly Parton Also Appeared on ‘American Idol’ in 2024
Parton also appeared briefly on “American Idol” in March 2024, when she and fellow singer Zach Williams recorded a message for contestant McKenna Faith Breinholt, who auditioned with the song “There Was Jesus,” written by Parton and Williams.
The audition was incredibly meaningful because not only did Breinholt earn a golden ticket, but she met members of her birth family who surprised her afterwards. Parton and Williams saw the footage and the country icon quipped, “Well, I think Jesus was there! That would be overwhelming. Sweet she chose our song.”
After watching the full audition and family reunion, the two singers recorded a sweet message for Breinholt, telling her, “We feel like it was a blessing for you to sing it, and I’m sure you felt like it was a blessing to have all your people there! So that just worked all around for all of us, didn’t it? So thanks for thinking of us and loving the song.”
Other ‘American Idol’ Alums Have Also Shared How Devastated They Are By Dolly Parton’s Death
Many other “American Idol” alums have already shared how devastated they are by the news of Parton’s passing. Mia Matthews, a Top 10 finalist on season 22 wrote in the comments of the show’s post, “my heart is shattered 💔”
Season 24 contestant Khloe Grace chimed in, “Forever the Queen of Country Music🥹🤍 We will always love you @dollyparton🫶”
Country star Gabby Barrett, who placed third during season 16, shared her own post honoring Parton about meeting the icon and hugging her “a little too hard” because she was so excited.
“I got to pick her brain some about this business and was lucky enough to receive encouragement from her along the way,” Barrett reecalled. “She sent me a handwritten card with butterflies on it, and I know exactly where that card is in my house. I made a point to keep it forever, and I always will.”
Barrett continued, “And crazy enough, Baylah (my 5 year old) just recently asked me, ‘Mom, when am I gonna get to meet Dolly Parton?’ I told her, ‘Hmmm I’m not sure.’ There was just nobody like her. She was so witty and could make you laugh, and then turn around and break your heart with a song. She was a songwriter and a country music woman through and through. I don’t know if I’ve ever seen someone so dedicated to this music and to what it means. She gave so much to country music, but I’ll always be especially grateful for the little bit of kindness and encouragement she gave to me. A true treasure who will be missed.”
