As tributes and reflections continue to pour in two days after entertainment icon Dolly Parton’s death at age 80, R&B superstar and “American Idol” judge Lionel Richie broke his silence on August 27, 2026. The two music legends shared a long history, from their storied friendship with country star Kenny Rogers to being inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame together in 2022.
Posting a sweet photo of him and Parton holding hands at a 2010 tribute to Rogers, who died in 2021, Richie wrote, “Dolly, what a fun ride… ❤️ ‘I Will Always Love You.’ We will always love you! Your light and your music will live on forever. ✨”
Fans Flood Lionel Richie’s Tribute to Dolly Parton With Emotional Reactions
Fans filled Richie’s tribute to Parton with heartfelt reactions, including many heart and crying emoji and GIFs of Parton. Relieved to hear from Richie, one fan wrote, “I was waiting for this one from you legend”
Another fan told Richie, who turned 77 in June and had to cancel several shows this summer after a hospitalization, “You better be immortal Lionel…”
Touched by the photo Richie shared of he and Parton holding hands, someone else wrote, “wow =love this pic-love both of you”
Others took the opportunity to pay homage to Parton, including one who commented. “Dolly’s generosity and kindness are truly inspiring, she carried herself with such genuine humility! Prayers for her family and friends! 🩷 🦋”
“Her incredible talent, kindness, generosity, and unwavering ability to bring joy to others touched generations around the world,” another fan shared. “She was truly one of a kind. Her music, her spirit, and her legacy will live on forever. ❤️🕊️”
Watch Lionel Richie, Dolly Parton & Kenny Rogers Perform Together
Rogers, who became friends with Richie as he was transitioning from the Commodores to a solo career in the early 80s and recorded the smash hit “Islands in the Stream” with Parton in 1983, was the glue that brought Richie and Parton over the years.
During the “Kenny Rogers: The First 50 Years” TV special they filmed in 2010, the trio performed together and Richie joked to Rogers, “This is the first time you let me sing with Dolly. We could be the new Rat Pack — Frank, Dean, Sammy, you know what I mean?”
“I’ll be Sammy,” Parton adorably exclaimed, before the threesome sang “Through the Years” together. Richie and Parton also both appeared on a CMT tribute to Rogers after his death in 2020, per USA Today, though each star performed from home since it was held at the height of the COVID pandemic.
As a judge on “American Idol” over the last eight seasons, Richie has periodically referenced his adoration for Parton, including during a 2024 audition by hopeful Aniston Pate, per Southern Living. After the truck driver sang “Hummingbird” with her acoustic guitar, Richie said, “About halfway through the first verse I had to open my eyes and go ‘Is that you Dolly?’ But only in the way Dolly tells stories. It was very honest, solid, and natural. And positively you.”
