As fans and colleagues paid tribute to Dolly Parton following her passing, actress Lily Tomlin joined them in honoring her “9 to 5” co-star online. Tomlin shared a black-and-white picture of herself and the late country music icon on Instagram with the caption, “No words.”
Dolly Parton’s passing was announced on Tuesday, Aug. 25, with Tomlin being among the first to express their condolences. Tomlin and Parton first worked together on the set of the 1980 comedy film, “9 to 5.” Alongside Jane Fonda, Tomlin and Parton played working women who take revenge on their sexist, egotistical boss.
Parton had already been famous as a country musician when she was cast in “9 to 5.” However, in her first movie role, Parton received an Academy Award nomination for her performance as Doralee Rhodes. She also received a Golden Globe nomination for the original song she wrote and sang for the film.
Fans Share Tomlin’s Heartbreak
In response to Tomlin’s tribute to Parton, fans poured all their condolences into the comments section as they remembered the country music star’s life and legacy.
“A real life angel with a heart as big as Jupiter. R.I.P. Dolly. 💔” one fan commented.
“Oh Lily my heart breaks for you and everyone who loved Dolly. Time an enemy to us all. 💔 🕊️,” wrote another.
“This can’t be true. I’m actually feeling emotional. I’ve never been emotional about a celebrity passing, but she has such a big kind heart. ❤️,” one posted.
“You were so lucky to have each other as “sisters.” ❤️ May she rest in eternal paradise,” another commented.
“Her light and spirit will live on in our memories, we will always love you Dolly❤️❤️,” wrote one fan.
Tomlin and Parton Remained Friends for Decades
GettyTomlin sparked a longtime friendship with both Parton and Fonda on the set of “9 to 5.” The trio famously reunited with Parton at the 2017 Emmy Awards, where Parton joined Parton and Fonda onstage.
Following their reunion, Tomlin told PEOPLE about her thoughts on Parton and their friendship after their collaboration on “9 to 5.”
“These two girls are still buddies,” Tomlin said about her and Parton. “Dolly is whatever you see is what you get. She is a darling person, fun and lively.”
Tomlin also credited Parton with the success of “9 to 5,” recounting the first time she heard the country star’s original song for the film.
“I remember Dolly came out on set and played the 9 to 5 song for us on her fingernails. I just thought this movie is going to make it because that song will make it,” Tomlin recalled to PEOPLE.
Parton reunited with Tomlin and Fonda once more on the set of their Netflix series, “Grace and Frankie,” in which she made a cameo appearance. She also performed music for Tomlin and Fonda’s 2023 film, “80 for Brady.”
For more than 40 years after the release of “9 to 5,” Tomlin and Parton’s bond endured. Following the country star’s passing, Tomlin’s two-word tribute highlighted the extraordinary impact Parton had on her through their decades-long friendship.
