Beyoncé Remembered Dolly Parton as “Bold and Brilliant” After the Country Music Legend’s Death at 80
Beyoncé is honoring Dolly Parton as a musical trailblazer, mentor and cultural force following the country icon’s death at age 80.
In a tribute posted to her official website, Beyoncé reflected on Parton’s influence and the opportunity the two artists had to work together on Beyoncé’s Grammy-winning 2024 album, Cowboy Carter.
“You were the barometer. The North Star. Bold and brilliant. Talented and tenacious. You taught so many lessons on how to be uniquely oneself,” Beyoncé wrote.
“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,” she continued. “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.”
Beyoncé and Dolly Parton Connected Through ‘Cowboy Carter’
Parton played a memorable role in Cowboy Carter, appearing on the “Dolly P” interlude before Beyoncé’s reimagined version of Parton’s 1973 classic “Jolene.”
Parton had publicly encouraged Beyoncé to record the song before the album’s release. Beyoncé ultimately transformed “Jolene” with new lyrics and a different perspective while keeping the connection to Parton’s original.
Parton also appeared on “Tyrant,” further tying the country legend to an album that explored Black artists’ long-standing relationship with country and American music.
The collaboration connected two women whose careers crossed genres and generations — and gave Parton another prominent place in contemporary music more than five decades after “Jolene” was first released.
Dolly Parton Remembered Around the World
Parton died Tuesday, Aug. 25, following a brief battle with cancer, according to her representatives. She was surrounded by loved ones at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville.
The singer, songwriter, actress, author, businesswoman and philanthropist built one of the most recognizable careers in American entertainment, with songs including “Jolene,” “9 to 5” and “I Will Always Love You.”
I will certainly miss her laugher, jokes and her being. Rest well and in total peace my friend. My heart is heavy. pic.twitter.com/4sVARNLX0z
— Dionne Warwick (@dionnewarwick) August 25, 2026
Her legacy also stretched well beyond music. Through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, millions of books have been distributed to children, while her charitable work supported education, disaster relief and medical research.
Dollywood said Parton wanted the Tennessee theme park she helped build to remain a place of “joy, hope and togetherness” and announced it would continue operating in her honor.
Beyoncé joined entertainers and public figures around the world in remembering Parton, but her tribute carried the perspective of an artist who had recently shared a project with the country legend.
For Beyoncé, Parton was more than an icon.
She was “the barometer” — and “the North Star.”
