Dolly Parton Dead at 80: Music Executives Remember the Country Icon
Following the music legend's passing at the age of 80, industry executives are sharing their reactions and condolences
Black News 
Following the death of Dolly Parton on Tuesday (Aug. 25) at the age of 80, those who worked with the country icon and others across the music industry are remembering the singer and songwriter’s impact across her 60-year career.
Parton was named Billboard’s Top Country Artist of All Time, with the singer having scored 25 No. 1s on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart, the most of any woman, and 49 top 10s on Billboard’s Country Albums chart. In addition to her success as a songwriter and recording artist, Parton has long been recognized for her business acumen.
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She co-owned Dollywood, a theme park located in her hometown of Pigeon Forge, Tenn., and she also operated the Imagination Library — a program that mails free books to children from birth until they first begin school. She had also been a co-owner of Sandollar Productions alongside her former manager, Sandy Gallin, which produced Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Father of the Bride and Sabrina, among others.
See below for all the reactions. We will update this story as more come through.
Sarah Trahern, CEO, Country Music Association
“At the end of the day, few artists define Country Music better than the one-word, Dolly. Over her decades-long career, I worked with her on a number of programs. She was always the most professional in every setting, often walking off the bus in heels and hair and makeup ready to go, before expected and before the cast and crew. However, along with the music, our biggest loss today is her work as a philanthropist and the genuine difference she has made in people’s lives throughout the world. There will only ever be one Dolly.”
Academy of Country Music
“The Academy is deeply saddened by the passing of Dolly Parton. She leaves behind a legacy that reaches far beyond the stage. Through her unmistakable voice, unforgettable songs, generosity and larger-than-life spirit, she touched generations and made the world a little brighter.
“A member of the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Grand Ole Opry, Dolly was a 14-time ACM Award recipient and three-time host of the ACM Awards. She gave us some of country music’s most enduring songs and moments, and at this year’s ACM Honors, she was honored with the ACM Poet’s Award — a beautiful recognition of the songwriter whose words became a part of so many lives.
“As we look back on these ACM moments, we’re reminded of the incredible mark Dolly left on country music and on all those who grew up with her songs. Her music will live on, carrying her voice and her story forward for generations to come.
“Rest in peace, Dolly.”
Rust Gaston, CEO, Sony Music Publishing Nashville
“There are icons and there are superstars… and then there’s Dolly Parton. A songwriter without equal, she set the standard for telling the human story through song, capturing life’s truths with honesty, warmth and grace. She wrote from a genuine heart that touched people from the hills of eastern Tennessee to every corner of the globe. Miss Dolly, we will always love you.”
Dollywood
“With heavy hearts, the Dollywood family mourns the passing of our beloved Dreamer-in-Chief, Dolly Parton. Everyone at Dollywood shares the sorrow of countless people around the world touched by Dolly’s warmth, wisdom and generous spirit.
“Dolly’s heartfelt wish was that Dollywood always remain a place of joy, hope and togetherness — a space where families and friends could honor her memory, not with silence, but with laughter, music and shared dreams.
“Dolly’s enduring legacy extends beyond her music and generosity to her remarkable work ethic — an inspiration to people everywhere. In her spirit, Dollywood will be open Wednesday as Dolly wanted, always reminding everyone with her signature sparkle — “the show must go on.” Together, we honor her by carrying forward her message of love, perseverance, and hope.”
Eugene Naughton, president, Dollywood Parks & Resorts
“The greatest privilege of my life has been helping Dolly bring her dreams to life at Dollywood. Dolly’s heart was as vast as the mountains she cherished, and her compassion knew no bounds. She inspired generations to dream boldly and love deeply. While we grieve her loss, we are honored and committed to carry her light forward. Her legacy will continue to shine in every melody sung, every smile she shared and every dream kindled within these gates.”
Grand Ole Opry
“It is with the heaviest of hearts that we say goodbye to a true country music icon, Opry member Dolly Parton.
“There is no doubt Dolly’s mark on the world, and on us here at the Grand Ole Opry, will be deeply felt for generations to come. She taught us to always lead with kindness, generosity, and compassion. May her legacy live on through her songs, the lives she touched, and the countless artists she inspired. There will never, ever be another one like her.
“We will always love you, Dolly.”
Scott Borchetta, CEO of Big Machine Records
“Always the most gracious and brightest light… which shall never be extinguished… love you, Dolly….”
Jacqueline Saturn, president of North America, Virgin Records
“Growing up in Tennessee hard to explain how much she meant to us,” Saturn wrote on her Instagram story. “Our forever hero. So many life lessons from this extraordinary human being.”
Big Machine
“A legend, an icon, and someone we will never forget. Remembering Dolly Parton forever and always.”
Sarah Kate Ellis, president and CEO, GLAAD
“Dolly Parton was not only the ‘Queen of Country Music’, but indeed the queen of inclusivity and philanthropy. Her support for LGBTQ people spans decades, from the 1990s with her track ‘Family,’ where she expressed that all should be welcome regardless of religion or sexual orientation; to the powerful ballad “Travelin’ Thru,” which Parton penned for the film “TransAmerica” and earned her an Oscar nomination; to her early support of marriage equality in 2009, well before its legalization. Parton’s warm spirit, kindheartedness and joie de vivre deeply resonated with the LGBTQ community, cementing her as a global queer icon whose art always held space for outsiders, no matter the risk. Parton’s entire career was built on love and respect for all, and her unwavering allyship is a legacy that will last forever.”
Tim Cook
“Dolly Parton’s music helped light up the world. She was a brilliant songwriter, cultural icon and dedicated philanthropist who helped instill a love of reading and learning in millions of children around the world. May she rest in peace.”
