Keith Urban is among the many celebrities mourning the unexpected passing of country music legend Dolly Parton.
The former “American Idol” judge took to his Instagram Stories following the tragic news and shared a simple yet touching tribute to the iconic singer.
“Heartbroken today,” Urban wrote. “Dolly Parton, honestly…. I have no words right now.”
Urban’s ex-wife, Nicole Kidman, also shared a sweet tribute to Parton, posting a rare family photo with the late singer. “We will always love you, Dolly,” Kidman captioned the post, referencing Parton’s smash hit “I Will Always Love You.”
Keith Urban Praises ‘Trailblazer’ Dolly Parton
GettyIn May, Urban praised his fellow inductee, Parton, while on the red carpet at the Musicians Hall of Fame induction ceremony in Nashville. The four-time Grammy winner had nothing but respect for the legendary singer, whom he described as “fearless.”
“She’s just … fearless and a trailblazer and just such a one-of-one,” Urban told PEOPLE at the time. “And I think she continues to remind every artist that it’s just about expression and following your creative path and being fearless in it.”
Urban continued, “She is a perfect prime example of always trying something different. I never think of her as pushing the envelope. I think about her not letting anything get in the way of the envelope.”
How Did Keith Urban and Dolly Parton Meet?
GettyUrban and Parton had a long history together. In 2022, Urban opened up about the first time he met Parton during an appearance on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show.”
“I come from working-class parents and a rural kind of background in Australia, and the first time I met Dolly — she’s sung with me a few times — and the first time I met her it was surreal, because, I mean, I grew up singing her songs,” Urban recalled. “As a matter of fact, I sang her songs because I was 9 years old, and my voice hadn’t broken yet, and I sounded like her — I could sing in her key.”
Similarly, Parton praised Urban during an interview with “Good Morning America,” expressing her admiration for the singer.
In the interview, Parton was asked whom she would love to bake a cake for and sing a duet with, to which she replied, “Probably any of the good-looking ones. I love Keith Urban.”
She continued, “I’ve always thought that he was one of the most talented — and cutest — guys in the world. I love his writing, and I just think he’s dear, so I’d be happy to make a big old cake for him and spend all afternoon singing songs.”‘
Parton passed away on August 25 at the age of 80. Her nephew, Brian Seaver, announced the sad news on social media.
“It is an honor, an honor that is mixed with absolute pride and great sadness,” Seaver said in part. “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.”
