King Charles praised for unique tribute to Dolly Parton after her death at age 80
The British Royal Family have paid tribute to country music star Dolly Parton following her death.
The 'Jolene' hit-maker passed away in Nashville on Tuesday (25 August), surrounded by her family, following a 'brief battle' with cancer, her representatives confirmed in a statement.
"Our beloved Dolly Parton spent her life and career bringing joy, laughter, hope and integrity into everything she touched," they added.
In light of the news, several huge-name stars and high-profile personnel have issued tributes to the late country music star, including King Charles III and Queen Camilla, who shared a joint message on social media.
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"Remembering the late, great Dolly, who brought joy, comfort and inspiration to so many - including the millions of children given free books through her Imagination Library," they wrote on X.
"We will always [heart] you."
The couple's official account also shared footage of several Buckingham Palace's brass band performing a rendition of Parton's chart-topping anthem '9 to 5' outside of the royal residence.
Here's the viral footage:
Responding to the online post, one X user wrote: "Dolly is looking down and loving this."
Another agreed: "Oh the trumpets, golly dolly woulda loved this."
A third went on: "This is amazing. Rest in peace, Dolly."
Someone else added: "Fabulous celebration of the beautiful Lady - Ms Parton would love this."
A dedicated fan of the late singer, the Instagram account of Camilla's charity, 'The Queens Reading Room', also shared a special message.
"Today we unwavering advocate for the joy and remember and celebrate the -importance of reading the icon, Dolly Parton," it penned.
"Dolly once said, 'You can never get enough books into the hands of enough children' ... but she gave it a pretty good go, donating more than 300 million books over 30+ years through her Imagination Library."
The charity went on to hail Parton for 'putting so many books into the hands of so many children', insisting she 'gave the most precious of gifts: the chance to millions of young minds of opening the door to imagination, possibility and a lifelong love of reading'.
"Thank you, Dolly!" the post concluded.
Among the numerous celebrities who've already addressed Parton's passing is Billy Ray Cyrus, whose family were famously close to her's, and who selected the singer to be the godmother of his daughter, Miley Cyrus.
Sharing a carousel of snaps alongside the musician, Billy shared the ‘beautiful’ message she had written to him, in which she told him she loved him ‘with her whole heart’.
He penned: "I have so many moments and memories with Dolly, it’s hard to know where to start. Like every little boy, I grew up loving Dolly Parton. She was a part of our lives, on our TV’s, right in our living rooms.
"In 1992, I’ll never forget walking into her dressing room to apologise for all the tabloid stories which claimed I was having an affair with her. In true Dolly fashion, she just looked at me, winked and said, 'Honey, this trash sells records!'."
The 'Achy Breaky Heart' concluded: "Dolly recently sent me a beautiful message, telling me she loved me with her whole heart. I will always love her in the same way ….. with my whole heart … and I always will."
Celebrities who have paid tribute to Dolly Parton
Miley Cyrus
Parton's goddaughter wrote on Instagram: "The feeling of losing my Aunt Dolly is beyond what feels right to share. Our most sacred moments were private and they’ll stay there behind the stage, beneath the glamour & between our hearts.
"What I KNOW is Dolly would want me to feel it, write a song about it, and then continue on and be strong. I have an angel by my side. I always have. One of our last conversations was about music and metamorphosis.
"I will always love her and want to make her proud. My heart breaks for the world, her family and friends who will miss her deeply. We’re in this loss together and we will see her in all of the most beautiful things."
Donald Trump
The US president wrote on Truth Social: "Very sad to report that Dolly Parton, one of the greatest Country singers, and far beyond, EVER, has just passed away.
"This is a true loss for millions of people. There has never been anyone like her, and never will.
"In her honor, I am lowering the American flag throughout the United States for a one week period beginning tonight at 6:00PM. Rest in Peace, Dolly! The World loves you."
Taylor Swift
Parton had previously praised Swift as a 'great inspiration', and the billionaire songstress wrote a touching tribute for the country icon.
She wrote: "A world without Dolly doesn’t feel possible, real, or right. 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 was truly the gift that kept on giving. Dolly gave us someone to look up to while encouraging us to be who we are as individuals. Somehow she was able to give us her lessons about the world gently and honestly, simultaneously, and oftentimes hilariously.
"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.
"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.
“Along with her other fans, I am so grateful for all of it. For the melodies and lyrics she wrote that thawed even the coldest hearts. For the millions of books she provided children all over the world so that they might fall in love with stories the way she did. For the tightropes she walked so that young girls like me could grow up dreaming of joining the circus too.
“Dolly, I’ll think of you each step of the way."
Beyoncé
The singer, who created her own version of 'Jolene' back in 2024, wrote: "Dolly, you were the barometer. 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 humour, your entrepreneurship. I’m honoured 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.”
Eminem
The 'Real Slim Shady' rapper shared a note from Parton congratulating him on his induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame back in 2022.
Parton wrote in the note: "Even though I don't know a lot about rap music, I've come to know that you are the very best at it.
"I have always felt some unexplained connection to you like I know you somehow.
"Just know you are very special and touch people in ways you don't even know."
Eminem wrote: "I’m sorry we never got a chance to meet, but getting this note from Dolly really had an impact on me. She definitely didn’t have to take the time to do it.
"Even for a kid who mostly listened to rap music, she was an icon. A superstar in every sense.
"Rest easy Dolly. And thank you for the kind words."
Topics: King Charles III, Queen Camilla, Royal Family, Celebrity, US News
Rhianna Benson