The world is mourning trailblazing artist and humanitarian Dolly Parton following her passing at 80. Among the tributes to the “Jolene” singer was former United States President Bill Clinton, who recalled attending a concert by Parton with former First Lady Hillary Clinton. This comes as a host of fellow musicians and celebrities also tribute the icon.
Clinton took to his official X account on August 25 to offer his thoughts on Parton’s legacy. He said, “Dolly Parton was one of a kind—a great songwriter and performer who told the stories of everyday Americans with honesty, humility, and heart.”
The 42nd president then said, “She rose high from her East Tennessee roots and never forgot where she came from. And she always believed in giving back, especially in her efforts to promote literacy.”
Regarding the concert experience, he shared, “Hillary and I were big fans and first saw her in 1974, and will always be grateful for the music and the memories. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family, her legion of fans, and everyone who loved her.”
Dolly Parton’s Family Released a Statement on Her Death
GettyHours before Clinton’s tribute to Parton, her family shared the heartbreaking news of her death on social media. They did so by posting a video of her nephew, Bryan Seaver, who spoke directly to the camera, not only sharing the sad news but also paying tribute to the woman she was.
He began, “My name is Bryan Seaver, son of Cassie Parton, and I’m representing the Parton and Owens family today, announcing the passing of my aunt, Dolly Rebecca Parton Dean, Sister, Sis and Granny to one generation and Gigi to the next.”
Seaver then said, “This video announcement is something Dolly asked of me years ago, before I fully absorbed it as a future reality. As her head of security for more than two decades, a role my father Larry held before me, I have imagined the heaviness of this moment but haven’t truly felt it until now.”
The grieving nephew continued, “It is an honor, an honor that is mixed with absolute pride and great sadness. 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.”
Regarding their history, Seaver went on to note that he first “went on the road with Dolly” in the 1980s as a child before highlighting, “Dolly opened doors not just for me but for her entire family to reach the potential we didn’t even know was possible. Dolly also opened doors for generations of singers, songwriters, musicians, and dreamers from every walk of life and across every continent.”
Fellow Musicians Are Also Paying Tribute to the ‘Jolene’ Singer
GettyAfter learning of Parton’s passing, singer Kacey Musgraves posted a series of tributes to X. She first said, “Dolly, This really really hurts.” After that, she stated, “The world feels a lot less sparkly all of a sudden.” Lastly, as of writing, she posted, “So glad she’s with her Carl Dean. No one talk to me today.”
Actor Michael Chiklis also penned a tribute to Parton. He said on X, “An indomitable spirit. An original. A light. A gift to us all. Thanks, Dolly. You will be sorely missed. May you rest in eternal comfort and peace now.”
