RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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Dolly Parton died at the age of 80 on Tuesday (Aug. 25), marking a seismic loss for both the music industry and culture as a whole.
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In the time since the news was announced in a video message by her nephew Bryan Seaver — who served as her head of security for more than 20 years — countless artists have attempted to put the incomprehensible into words with posts on social media expressing grief and disbelief over her passing, as well as awe for the country icon’s singular legacy.
Reba McEntire shared a carousel of photos of herself and her friend over the years on Instagram , writing, “There will never ever be another you … She’s gonna have a blast in heaven singing all her favorite songs with all her family and friends who have gone on before her.”
“I will certainly miss her laughter, jokes and her being,” Dionne Warwick wrote on Instagram , sharing a sweet photo of herself and Parton holding hands. “Rest well and in total peace my friend. My heart is heavy.”
Jack White simply posted an old photo of Parton on Instagram and wrote, “Instant Sainthood,” while Waylon Jennings shared a throwback snap of himself with the late star captioned, “We will always love you Dolly.”
“The death of Dolly Parton is as big as Elvis,” stated Don McLean on Instagram . “This rocks the country and the world in the same way and we won’t get over this for a long time. God bless this beautiful girl.”
Parton’s death comes nearly a year and a half after her husband of about 60 years, Carl Dean, died at the age of 82. The last month of the Rock & Roll Hall of Famer’s life was also marked by loss, with her brother Denver dying at the age of 82 in August.
“Dolly. This really really hurts,” Kacey Musgraves wrote on X , adding in other posts , “The world feels a lot less sparkly all of a sudden … So glad she’s with her Carl Dean. No one talk to me today.”
Kimberly Perry of The Band Perry shared an emotional story of Parton giving her a pep talk during a tough moment on Instagram and added: “She is my hero. My queen. There will never be another her.”
“The Daniels family is devastated to hear of the passing of a genuine American institution, @dollyparton,” reads a post on Charlie Daniels’ profile . “Her impact on music – not just country – entertainment and pop culture in general is unparalleled.”
Maggie Rogers shared a video of herself mournfully covering Parton’s 1977 hit “Here You Come Again” and wrote on Instagram , “one of the greatest songwriters of all time … thank you thank you a million times dolly.”
Parton’s “There Was Jesus” collaborator, Zach Williams, shared a handful of photos of himself and Parton alongside a heartfelt message on his page. “Your songs, your faith, and the way you loved people impacted me more than you probably ever will know,” he wrote. “Thank you for the road you paved, the music you gave us, and the example you set for artists like me. Country music, and my own journey wouldn’t be the same without you.”
“I am in shock,” said KC of KC and The Sunshine Band in a statement shared with Billboard . “She was one of the sweetest and kindest people I had ever met. I have many fond memories that I will cherish and hold close to my heart. Such a talent and a tremendous loss to pop and country music and to those who knew and loved her.”
In the video posted to Parton’s social media accounts announcing her passing, Seaver told the 10-time Grammy winner’s fanbase, “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 for her to meet them in the heavens,” he continued in the clip. “By her example, we believed that anything was possible. She never saw a door she couldn’t open, and the doors that she opened made and changed history.”
Beyond her numerous Billboard chart hits — including Billboard Hot 100 No. 1s “9 to 5” and “Islands In The Stream” with Kenny Rogers — Parton will be remembered for her generosity , particularly in regards to her Imagination Library , where her family is seeking donations in lieu of flowers following her passing.
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