Jane Fonda is remembering her longtime friend and “9 to 5” co-star Dolly Parton following the country music icon’s death.
Fonda shared an emotional tribute to Parton on Aug. 25, reflecting on their friendship and the decades of memories they created together.
The actresses starred alongside Lily Tomlin in the beloved 1980 comedy “9 to 5,” which became one of Parton’s most memorable film roles.
Fonda Recalls Their Friendship
“I am devastated. I just learned that Dolly has moved on,” Fonda wrote. “I know that millions are mourning and I want to say this – more than anyone I have ever known, Dolly will always be with us because she was so present, so powerful, so generous and playful that she is woven into all our lives and hearts forever.”
Fonda went on to recall some of the many things Parton left behind for her fans, including her music, Dollywood and her work encouraging children to read.
“We have our memories of her, her songs, Dollywood, ‘9to5,’ the millions of books she got into the hands of children, all the iconic images that bring her to us,” she wrote. “And they are all blessings. Let’s be grateful for all that she has left us to ease our sadness now. I never knew anyone like her.”
Fonda also described the different sides of Parton’s personality, remembering her as both playful and deeply thoughtful.
“She was simultaneously a naughty, playful southern gal from the hollows of Tennessee and a deep, soulful thinker who could see through people right down to their true selves,” Fonda wrote.
The actress listed some of the many roles Parton embraced throughout her life.
“She was many things… lyricist, songstress, player of many instruments, writer, prankster, visionary, loyal friend,” Fonda continued.
Fonda also recalled Parton’s sense of humor, writing that her friend “would never go to bed before she and her friends had laughed so hard they’d have to cross their legs.”
She remembered Parton’s empathy as another defining part of her character.
“She was the voluptuous embodiment of empathy. That’s something of hers she’d want us all to take with us,” Fonda wrote.
Fonda specifically addressed Parton’s LGBTQ+ fans, telling them that the singer loved and accepted them.
“To her gay and trans fans, I want you to know that she loved you. You know that without me telling you,” she wrote. “She loved all her fans and they are legion.”
Fonda Wants to Celebrate Her Life
Rather than focusing only on grief, Fonda encouraged fans to celebrate Parton’s life.
“And you know she doesn’t want y’all to mourn now. Dress up and celebrate her spirit,” she wrote.
Fonda also suggested that fans revisit the “Grace and Frankie” finale, where Parton appeared alongside Fonda and Tomlin.
“But first, watch the final episode of Grace and Frankie where she’s an Angel, the head honcho working class angel in Heaven,” she wrote.
Fonda concluded her tribute simply: “RIP, beautiful woman. We love you.”
Tomlin also honored her late co-star, sharing a throwback photo of Parton on X.
“Friend. Songwriter. The Great Harmonizer of Humanity,” Tomlin wrote. “Dolly. Dolly. Dolly. Forever Dolly.”
Her nephew, Bryan Seaver, announced her death in a video she had asked him to record years earlier.
Parton’s career spanned music, film, television, business and philanthropy, leaving behind a legacy that continues through her songs, movies, theme park and charitable work.
