The Kelly Clarkson Show is paying tribute to a music legend.
On August 25, the world learned that country music icon Dolly Parton had died at age 80. Known as the “Queen of Country Music,” Dolly became a sensation with hits like “Jolene,” “9 to 5,” and “I Will Always Love You.” She also starred in movies like Steel Magnolias and Joyful Noise. In 2001, she became the only person to ever receive the Good Housekeeping Seal; it was renewed in October 2023.
Before the news broke on August 25, The Kelly Clarkson Show’s social team shared a clip of Dolly and Kelly Clarkson singing “I Will Always Love You” from 2022.
“Best of Kelly: ‘I Will Always Love You’ duet with Dolly Parton 🥲 (Season 4),” the caption read on the Instagram post.
Shortly after the news of Dolly’s death, fans took to the comments to express their grief.
“What timing. May Dolly rest in peace,” one person wrote. “We will miss you Dolly ❤️❤️,” another penned. “RIP dear soul … bittersweet news … at peace … such a legacy of love … always ♥️,” a different follower added.
Kelly later shared her own note about Dolly on Instagram.
“Dolly Parton had a way of making everyone feel special, and seen, and welcomed, and as if you were old friends,” she wrote. “I will miss her heart and her voice as I am sure millions will. What an incredible gift and talent she was and still is with an amazing catalogue of art she has left behind for all of us.”
Dolly’s nephew, Bryan Seaver, filmed a video for her Instagram highlighting her legacy.
“Hey everyone—my name is Bryan Seaver, son of Cassie Parton, and I am representing the Parton and Owens family today, announcing the passing of my aunt, Dolly Rebecca Parton Dean,” he said in the clip. “Sister, sis, Aunt Granny to one generation, and Gigi to the next … I have imagined the heaviness of this moment, but haven’t truly felt it until now. It is an honor, an honor that is mixed with absolute pride and great sadness. But sadness lies with us, not with Dolly.”
We will miss you, Dolly.
