Few artists have left a mark on music and culture as profound as Dolly Parton. A singular songwriter, performer, storyteller and humanitarian, Dolly’s unmistakable voice and extraordinary catalog have inspired generations of artists and fans around the world. In the audio below, MCA artists reflect on her enduring influence, sharing personal memories and celebrating the music, spirit and legacy of a true country music icon.
“Dolly was the perfect example of how to be. She was an incredible artist and songwriter and performer, all of those things. She was the kind of person that everybody loved and respected and she always handled herself with grace. Even there were times where I’d be around her when things were kind of going wrong or there would be something that… You you could tell it’s like she wasn’t into it or something and she would always like let people know, but in the nicest way, she had a way about her of being commanding and in control, but also the sweetest human. She made anyone that was around her feel like they were the most special person in the room, anyone she was talking to. So many memories of it just getting to be in her presence that, I mean, I just always assume, you know, like why would Dolly know me? You know, I grew up listening to her and she’s kind of this larger than life person, but she would, you know, make a beeline and take my hand or give me a hug or, you know, go out of her way to make me feel special. And that’s kind of what she did with everyone. There will never be anybody like Dolly. Musically, as a performer, as an artist, all that stuff, but just a kind human in the midst of mega stardom. And she will always just be an example to the rest of us of, that’s the bar. We’ll never live up to the bar, but that’s the bar set at its highest.”
“I never got the pleasure of meeting the queen Dolly Parton, but I’ll always remember how much I loved her character in Steel Magnolias. I feel like she reminded me of so many southern women I grew up around and just loved. And in that character and in her real life and her career, she just was the epitome of grace and beauty and love and spunk. And I will always remember you, Dolly.“
“I sat around and I thought, when did I know who Dolly Parton was? And I really realized my whole life I’ve known who Dolly Parton was. She was such an amazing singer and performer and philanthropist, but as a songwriter is where she was just one of the greatest ever. You know and she’s just one of those people that will be remembered fondly by everybody you know everybody loved Dolly and the reason is because Dolly loved everybody.”
“I can’t sing Everybody’s Welcome, y’all just gotta act right in the country music that I make without thinking of Dolly. I can’t speak of Rebellious Women or owning your sexuality as a woman in country music without thinking of Dolly. I can’t write songs at my kitchen table with long acrylic fingernails or make a country music Mount Rushmore without thinking of Dolly. Everywhere you look, everything you hear, and all the best parts of country music, you will find Dolly Parton. She has not left, she has not gone. She is with us forever, golden and glowing. Rest in peace to the most iconic backwards Barbie there ever was.”
“Dolly has had such a massive impact on so many different folks, not only through her music, from her incredible songs and artistry, but much more importantly in my opinion through how good of a human she was. I think so many people, just about everybody in this world could learn something from Dolly just on how to be a good person and how to treat people.”
Man, it’s kind of hard to put into words what Dolly meant, not just to music, but to everybody. I mean, she kind of transcended music, you know, from what she’s done with the reading program with the kids in Tennessee. You know, I still read books to my kids that Dolly sent us. You know, obviously the music career that she had. But, you know, I remember watching Dolly and Steele Magnolia’s, you know, she played such a, had such a great acting career. There was nothing that Dolly couldn’t do and just did it with such class and humility. And that one hurt. She’s going to be very, very missed.
“Hey, what’s up everybody? It’s Chum Party here and I just want to give a big shout out to Dolly Parton. Not only a great country music artist, a great songwriter. I never got to meet her, but she was always really good to me. She sent me things on my birthday and I had a good friend that was her mom worked with Dolly and we just kind of had that relationship. And I never forget when she sent me the Playboy cover picture of her and her little bunny ear suit and signed to John from Dolly and was like, wow. And then she did a video for me and she sent children’s book to my girls and she was just a sweetheart, even from afar. this one hurts today, that’s all I know. She was very nice to me without even knowing me and that says a lot. And she was so funny and I always looked up to her. Damn, she wrote some songs. The I Will Always Love You, Jolene, I mean, nine to five, what an artist. And it’s a sad day. The day that Dolly died will always, I will always remember that. And rest in peace, we love you, amen.”
“Dolly’s impact on country music is honestly hard to put into words. She’s one of those artists who helped shape what country music is, but what I’ve always admired about her is how she’s used her platform to help people along the way. As a songwriter, she’s one of the greatest to ever do it. I Will Always Love You has always been one of my favorite Dolly songs. It’s simple, honest, and hits me every time. It’s that kind of songwriting and career that gives me something as an artist to look forward to and look up to. You’ll always be remembered, Dolly.”
“Hey guys, Luke Bryan here. Just wanted to speak about the passing of icon Dolly Parton. So much of my childhood, she was in it from movies to music. Her light, being a strong Tennessee woman was something that always inspired me. Songwriting ability, charisma. Wittiness and the ability to make fun of herself and the ability to inspire the world is what I think about when I think of Dolly. When you live your life and people can recognize you by one name, Dolly, I think that says it all.“
