Kelly Clarkson remembers her dear friend and country music icon Dolly Parton with touching tribute.
“Dolly Parton had a way of making everyone feel special, and seen, and welcomed, and as if you were old friends. I will miss her heart and her voice as I am sure millions will,” the “American Idol” alum shared via Instagram on Tuesday, August 25. “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.”
Clarkson’s post comes just hours after news of Parton’s passing was shared.
Dolly Parton’s Death
The “I Will Always Love You” singer passed away on Tuesday in Nashville, Tennessee, her family confirmed.
“My name is Brin Seaver, son of Cassie Parton, and I’m representing the Parton and Owens family today announcing the passing of my aunt, Dolly Rebecca Parton Dean, Sister, Sis and Granny to one generation and Gigi to the next. This video announcement is something Dolly asked of me years ago, before I fully absorbed it as a future reality,” her nephew announced in a heartbreaking social media post. As her head of security for more than two decades, a role my father Larry held before me, I have imagined the heaviness of this moment but haven’t truly felt it until now. It is an honor, an honor that is mixed with absolute pride and great sadness. But sadness lies with us, not with Dolly. 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.”
According to TMZ, Dolly was admitted to the hospital on Friday “with kidney and autoimmune issues.”
“My family and I have shared a lifetime of beautiful memories with Dolly. But so have you. She has always been on your television, your record player, your CD and on your phone’s playlist, becoming an extended part of your family whether you liked it or not,” her nephew continued. “Our family and the team she has entrusted with her legacy will work diligently to ensure her spirit will live with us forever.”
Tributes Pour In
Hollywood is mourning the loss of the beloved “9 to 5” artist.
In addition to Kelly Clarkson, stars like Paris Hilton, Keith Urban, Maren Morris and Blake Shelton shared their condolences.
“Dolly. This really hurts. The world feels a lot less sparkly all of a sudden. So glad she’s with her Carl Dean. No one talk to me today,” country singer Kacey Musgraves tweeted.
Urban shared a photo dump via Instagram, writing, “Truly a legend who has always supported @keithurban to the ends of the earth. We love you @dollyparton 💔💔.”
“Heartbroken to hear about Queen Dolly Parton’s passing,” Paris Hilton shared over a photo of the duo, which was posted in her Instagram Story. “She was a true icon and such an inspiration to me. Her talent, heart and kindness touched so many lives, and she truly left this world better than she found it.”
Blake Shelton — who appeared in a photo with Dolly from the set of “The Voice” —wrote, “I can say with absolute certainty that we are all feeling the same heart brokenness today. I only got to spend any real time with Dolly when Gwen and I got to work with her on The Voice. 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.”
