“We Will Always Love You”: Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, and More Remember Dolly Parton

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“We Will Always Love You”: Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, and More Remember Dolly Parton

On August 25, 2026, beloved country music legend and global icon Dolly Parton died at the age of 80 after a brief battle with cancer. Now, the music, fashion, and film industries are mourning one of its most legendary figures. “A rhinestone life that shone bright enough for the world to see, Dolly will forever stand as an inspiration not only through her timeless music and prolific songwriting, but also her wit, warmth, and kindness that made us all feel like family,” read a statement posted to Parton’s Instagram.

“Dolly Parton’s legacy is one of love, compassion, and resilience. With a seven-decade career, she inspired multiple generations of artists and fans with her music and an unwavering commitment to making the world a better place. Her songs will continue to resonate with people of all ages, and her philanthropic work will have a lasting impact.”

The news prompted a wave of tributes from across the globe, with music, fashion, and Hollywood stars—from Beyoncé to Jane Fonda and Taylor Swift—honoring Parton’s profound influence on pop culture. The word “icon” could be applied to many aspects of her life, and while she was gloriously awarded across her eight decades—11 Grammys, three Emmys, six Golden Globes, a Tony, and an honorary humanitarian Oscar included—tributes focused mainly on her wit and spirit, and the light she brought to their lives as a person.

“A perfect sense of humor in my pocket for rainy days,” so said Sabrina Carpenter.

“So many lives were made better because of you,” wrote Donatella Versace.

“I can’t even tell you how many times I’ve thought to myself, ‘what would Dolly do?’” Cyndi Lauper reflected.

There was, of course, plenty to say about Parton as a fabulous fashion titan too, with archival images of Dolly—bleached blonde hair touching skyward, acrylic talons painted, teetering around the stages in sky-high heels—shared alongside the heartfelt messages.

“It’s up to us to do our best [and] follow in her brilliant, adorable, one-of-a-kind, bedazzled footsteps so that we still feel that magic in our world,” as Anne Hathaway encapsulated the moment.

Below, read just a few reflections on Dolly Parton’s life and legacy.

Beyoncé

“Dolly, you were the barometer,” the musician shared in a statement on her website. “The north star. Bold and brilliant. Talented and tenacious. You taught so many lessons on how to be uniquely oneself. I am grateful for your art, your heart, your generosity, your humor, your entrepreneurship. I’m honored that I had the privilege to work with you. I will treasure that forever. Thank you for your profound impact on the world. You are an angel who has made this world a happier place because of your joyful art. You are truly one of one. Rest peacefully.”

Taylor Swift

“A world without Dolly doesn’t feel possible, real, or right,” Swift said in a statement shared with People. “But because of the eternally generous way she spent her time on this earth and the countless lives she changed for the better, her legacy will be an everlasting one.”

“She managed to give the world the ultimate mystery and fantasy in some corners of her life, but to give full transparency in the ways that counted,” the pop star continued. “Somehow she was true grace and true grit, all in one dazzling person. She possessed the softest heart when it came to the struggles of others, and a backbone of steel to defend her own self worth as an artist.”