Taylor Swift has paid an emotional tribute to Dolly Parton following the country music legend’s death at 80. Swift described the late singer as “true grace and true grit, all in one dazzling person.”
The pop star shared the tribute on Tuesday. She remembered Parton for her music, kindness and lasting impact on people around the world.
Taylor Swift Mourns Dolly Parton
“A world without Dolly doesn’t feel possible, real, or right,” it reads. “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.”
Swift also remembered Parton’s work to support children through her Imagination Library. The programme gives free books to children from birth to age five.
“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.”
Dolly Parton Praised Taylor Swift
Swift began her career as a country singer before becoming a global pop superstar. Over the years, she has often spoken about her admiration for Parton.
Parton also had great respect for Swift. During a 2024 interview, she praised the singer’s career and influence on young people.
“I just admire her very much and how she’s handled her business, her personal life, and what all she has meant to so many young people,” Parton said. “[She’s] been a great inspiration. And Lord knows we need some uplifting people and things this day and time.”
Parton had previously described Swift as “amazing” for her achievements in the music industry.
Swift and Kelce Donated to Parton’s Charity
The two stars also shared a connection through philanthropy.
Last month, Parton thanked Swift and Travis Kelce for donating $2 million to her Imagination Library ahead of their July 3 wedding at Madison Square Garden.
“It’s evident that you two have made giving back a key part of your lives, so hey, when you have your firstborn, can I have it? Because that is going to be one special baby,” Parton joked.
The country icon said she was “overjoyed” by the couple’s generosity. She ended her message by singing “I Will Always Love You.”
Swift’s tribute highlights the deep admiration she had for Parton. It also reflects the lasting influence of the country music icon on artists, children and fans around the world.
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