Rod Stewart has opened up about the immense grief he’s feeling following the passing of “Jolene” icon, Dolly Parton. Dolly’s passing was announced in a video posted by her family earlier this week, and her team released a statement a matter of hours later confirming the cause as a brief battle with cancer.
British rock singer Rod chatted to Hello! magazine about the heartbreak he’s feeling, now grieving the loss of Dolly alongside the loss of Bonnie Tyler. He also shared a tribute to his social media accounts.
What Did Rod Stewart Say?
Rod emotionally began talking about how special he felt to have been able to collaborate on a record with Dolly while she was alive. He shared: “I had the great pleasure of recording a duet with our wonderful Dolly Baby, It’s Cold Outside. And it certainly does feel colder now that our Dolly has gone, but the light and laughter she brought will keep us warm forever.”
The singer also shared a tribute to his social media, posting a throwback snap of himself with Dolly. In the picture he’s wearing his signature skin-tight trousers while Dolly grinned with her huge blond hair. Cher was also in the photo, hugging Rod from behind.
Penned in the post’s caption, Rod wrote: “I’m absolutely floored… I’ve just gotten over Bonnie leaving us. RIP, my darling Dolly.”
Dolly’s Family Share She Has Passed Away
Dolly Parton’s family posted a video message to her social media profiles today announcing that she had passed away. Bryan Seaver read out the tragic news, speaking to a camera. He shared: “Hey everyone, my name is Bryan Seaver, son of Cassie Parton, and I am representing the Parton and Owens family today announcing the passing of my aunt Dolly Rebecca Parton Dean.
“Sister, sis, aunt, granny to one generation, and Gigi to the next. 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. It is an honor, an honor that is mixed with absolute pride and great sadness. But sadness lies with us, but not with Dolly.
“Dolly has lived in the light […] met by Carl, her parents, and countless others who have watched her and longed for her to meet them in the heavens. […] Dolly also opened doors for generations of singers, songwriters, musicians and dreamers from every walk of life , and across every continent. By her example, we believed that anything was possible.
“She never saw a door she couldn’t open, and the doors she opened made and changed history. My family and I have shared a lifetime of beautiful memories with Dolly, but so have you. She has always been on your television, your record player, your CD, and your phone playlist becoming an extended part of your family.”
Rest in peace to Dolly Parton and best wishes to her loved ones.
