Julia Roberts is remembering Dolly Parton following the country music legend’s death.
Roberts, who starred alongside Parton in the beloved 1989 film “Steel Magnolias,” shared a heartfelt statement about her former co-star after news of Parton’s passing was announced Tuesday.
Roberts Touching Tribute
“Dolly was a magical and joyous human. I hold knowing her as a treasure in my life. The sun has dimmed today,” Roberts said in a statement obtained by Variety.
The tribute comes decades after the two actresses worked together on “Steel Magnolias,” which also starred Sally Field, Shirley MacLaine, Daryl Hannah and Olympia Dukakis.
For Roberts, her memories of working with Parton extended beyond the movie itself.
During a previous appearance on “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” Roberts recalled a particularly memorable conversation she had with Parton while filming in Natchitoches, Louisiana, according to Parade.
The production faced extremely hot conditions, with temperatures climbing above 100 degrees. Roberts remembered the cast struggling with the heat while wearing costumes that were less than ideal for the weather.
“Everybody had ice on their wrists doing the whole thing. Everybody was like, it’s hot, could I get some water? And Dolly never said anything,” Roberts recalled.
Eventually, Roberts said she approached Parton about the conditions.
“And I finally, I just had to say, ‘Dolly, you’ve got a wig, and the wool, I mean, c’mon. It’s hot, sweat a little. Just say, I’m hot, you know? This is a drag.’”
Parton’s response stayed with Roberts long after filming wrapped.
Roberts recalled sitting with Parton on a porch when the country star explained how she viewed her success.
“And she said, I remember we were sitting on the porch, and she said to me, ‘When I was a little girl, I wanted to be famous, and I wanted to be rich, and now I’m both of these things, I’m not going to complain about it.’”
Roberts said the simple statement changed how she approached complaining.
“And I thought, ‘Okay, I’m going to be quiet for the rest of the day.’ I’ve never forgotten it. And every time I go to complain, or just kind of moan, I always hear Dolly sitting on the porch and saying that, and it kinda keeps you quiet.”
Her Passing Was Announced on Social Media
Parton’s family announced her death Tuesday, Aug. 25. Her nephew Bryan Seaver, who served as her head of security for more than two decades, shared the news in an emotional Instagram video.
Seaver said Parton had asked him years earlier to make the announcement when the time came.
“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,” he said.
He also reflected on Parton’s influence on his family and countless others.
“By her example, we believed that anything is possible. She never saw a door she couldn’t open, and the doors she opened made and changed history.”
As news of Parton’s death spreads, tributes from friends, collaborators and fans continue to honor the extraordinary career and lasting influence of the country music icon.
