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Celebrities, politicians react to death of Dolly Parton
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Celebrities and politicians are offering their condolences following the death of country music superstar Dolly Parton, who died Tuesday at the age of 80.
President Donald Trump wrote on social media that he would be lowering the American flag for one week in honor of Parton, calling her death “a true loss for millions of people.”
“There has never been anyone like her, and never will,” Trump wrote.
Lily Tomlin, Parton's longtime friend and one of her co-stars in the 1980 hit comedy "9 to 5," wrote on Instagram, "No words…💔."
The movie was Parton's big-screen debut, and she wrote and performed the film's chart-topping, Grammy-winning theme song.
Tomlin said at the 16th Annual Governors Awards in 2025 that the song "9 to 5" was "so much bigger than any singular theme song on a movie soundtrack," saying it "became an anthem for our culture of the time."
She added at the time that Parton's "humanitarian achievements are as staggering as her formidable singing career" and called her "one of the few people who remains in this world that everyone loves and respects."
Country singer Kacey Musgraves wrote on social media on Tuesday, "This really really hurts."
"The world feels a lot less sparkly all of a sudden," Musgraves said, adding, "So glad she's with her Carl Dean."
Dean, who was Parton's husband of nearly 60 years, died last year at the age of 82.
Parton’s fellow country singer and actress Reba McEntire wrote on Instagram, "Dolly, thank you for all the wonderful things you did for us here on earth. Your love, your music and you gave so much with your huge huge heart."
"There will never ever be another you. We will remember and cherish every memory and every note you ever played and sang," she continued. "... I’ll never forget the first time I met you and I’ll never forget our last conversation. I hold it with love in my heart."
Former President Bill Clinton described Parton as “a great songwriter and performer who told the stories of everyday Americans with honesty, humility, and heart.”
“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,” he wrote in a statement. “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.”
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton added, “Dolly Parton did all the good she could, for all the people she could, for as long as ever she could. From her legendary songwriting to the Imagination Library -- which sent 1 million books a month to children across the country -- she was the best of America. Dolly, we'll miss your great heart."
The Jacksons called Parton a "true trailblazer" in a statement on Instagram.
"Through her extraordinary talent, kindness and generosity, she opened doors and inspired generations around the world. We share this special memory from 1977, when we had the honor of meeting Dolly in England on the same day we also met Queen Elizabeth II," the Jacksons wrote alongside a carousel of images. "Thank you, Dolly, for the music, the joy and the light you shared with us all."
"Our prayers are with Dolly’s family, friends and everyone whose life she touched. ... Your beautiful spirit and remarkable legacy will live on forever," the Jacksons said.
Comedian and actress Carol Burnett took to social media to reflect on one of her “favorite memories,” taping the "Dolly & Carol in Nashville" special in Parton’s home state of Tennessee.
“We shot the week of Thanksgiving and Dolly made individual turkey dinners for every one of us, that she cooked herself,” Burnett said.
“That’s who she was,” she said, adding, “I’m so sad right now.”
Former Vice President Kamala Harris called Parton a "true American icon" in a statement Tuesday.
"Her career accolades included 11 Grammy awards, an Emmy, an honorary Oscar, and -- my favorite -- more than 300 million books sent to millions of children around the world through her Imagination Library," Harris wrote. "All at once she was kind, modest, and funny. With her music, her philanthropy, and her style, Dolly was one of one."
"Doug and I send our prayers to her family, friends, and all those who have been touched by her magic," she said. "We will always love you, Dolly."
Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee said Parton was "one of a kind, who loved people, her work, her family, and her Lord."
"Tennessee has forever been changed -- enhanced -- by her, and will never be quite the same without Dolly," the governor said on social media.
Khloe Kardashian, a Parton superfan, wrote in an Instagram story post, "Some people are so extraordinary, their existence feels almost impossible. Dolly was one of those people."
"A once-in-a-lifetime soul. A woman whose light, heart, talent and humanity changed this world forever," Kardashian wrote. "To have admired her was a gift. To have met her, spent time in her presence, and somehow been lucky enough that Dolly Parton knew my name... I will never have words big enough for what that means to me."
"What an astronomical human being. What a legacy. What a loss," she added. "There will never be another Dolly."
Singer Kelly Clarkson also honored the legendary singer, writing on social media that Parton "had a way of making everyone feel special, and seen, and welcomed, and as if you were old friends."
"I will miss her heart and her voice as I am sure millions will," Clarkson said. "What an incredible gift and talent she was and still is with an amazing catal...
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