Dolly Parton passed away today at the age of 80, leaving fans and friends in the industry worldwide utterly devastated. Among those who admired her is fellow music icon Taylor Swift, who is no doubt devastated over the news of her death. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter back in 2023, Taylor gushed about Dolly and what a trailblazer she was, with an influence that reached far beyond just inspiring those to pursue country music.
What Did Taylor Swift Say?
GettyTaylor saw Dolly as a major role model, as a singer who started off her career in the country music genre. But Taylor shared how there were so many reasons why she loved the music legend, especially her witty personality. Taylor shared: “Dolly is a force of evolution and transformation in our industry, but she does it with such playful levity it almost looks effortless. Her sense of humor and mischief are easily my favorite things about her, because I think it forces the world to reconcile that a woman can be a serious artist and writer who also has raucous fun with it, can make people laugh and be in on every joke.”
Dolly clearly thought a lot of Taylor too, only recently sharing a video where she personally thanked both Taylor and Travis for donating $2 million as a gift to her Imagination Library.
Dolly Parton’s Death
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.
