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Billy Ray Cyrus Recalls Dolly Parton Affair Rumors in Emotional Tribute
Leave it to Billy Ray Cyrus to make you laugh and cry with his tribute to country music legend Dolly Parton.
In a touching post shared on Instagram, Cyrus opened up about his decades-long friendship with Parton, who passed away on August 25, 2026, at the age of 80. However, it was the details about a rumored affair that had his followers smiling.
Related: Dolly Parton’s Death Raises Questions About the Future of Dollywood
“I have so many moments and memories with Dolly, it’s hard to know where to start. Like every little boy, I grew up loving Dolly Parton. She was a part of our lives, on our TV’s, right in our living rooms,” he wrote. “In 1992, I’ll never forget walking into her dressing room to apologize for all the tabloid stories which claimed I was having an affair with her. In true Dolly fashion, she just looked at me, winked, and said, ‘Honey, this trash sells records!'”
View this post on InstagramCyrus, who named Parton the honorary godmother to his daughter Miley Cyrus, went on to detail one of their final conversations.
“Dolly recently sent me a beautiful message, telling me she loved me with her whole heart,” he added. “I will always love her in the same way… with my whole heart… and I always will.”
Cyrus and Parton collaborated many times throughout the years. In 1993, Cyrus appeared on Parton’s single “Romeo,” and more recently, they sang together on the song “Christmas Where We Are,” for Parton’s Christmas album in 2020.
Parton also made a few appearances on Hannah Montana as Aunt Dolly.
In 2024, Cyrus revealed how Parton actually became Miley’s godmother, revealing it happened while he was the opening act on her tour following the release of his hit, “Achy Breaky Heart,” in 1992.
“Her and Miley actually just fell in love,” he told AXS TV. “It was kindred spirits. That sounds silly, but from the second they met, it was two peas in a pod.”
Our thoughts are with Parton’s family and friends during this difficult time.
Cyndi Lauper Remembers Dolly Parton for This Key Attribute: 'What Would Dolly Do?'
Like the rest of the world, Cyndi Lauper is in mourning over the massive loss of the late, great Dolly Parton.
The “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” singer shared a sweet throwback photo of the two music icons on her social media after the “Jolene” singer’s nephew announced her death in a new video shared to her official social media pages, sharing a black-and-white, slightly blurry photo of the two blondes back-to-back, tilting their heads in toward each other as they smiled at the camera.
The photo appears to have been taken in 1993, at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new Sony Music recording complex in New York City. The two did not officially collaborate with each other until 2023’s 80 for Brady film, where they recorded the Diane Warren-written “Gonna Be You” for the comedy film, along with Gloria Estefan, Belinda Carlisle, and Debbie Harry. Unfortunately, the track is not currently available to stream.
They also share a sweet connection in that Lauper covered Parton’s “Hard Candy Christmas” during her 2016 country album sessions.
Related: Kelly Clarkson’s Show Makes Eerie Post Hours Ahead of Dolly Parton Death News
“It’s hard for me to imagine the world without Dolly,” Lauper wrote alongside the snapshot, noting that “Dolly’s heart was as big as her talent.” Beyond her expertise in singing, writing, and even acting, Lauper commended Parton’s use of “her art, her fame and her money to help so many people.”
“I can’t even tell you how many times I’ve thought to myself, ‘What would Dolly do?'” the ’80s songstress admitted. “She was a great role model for all of us. I hope she is in a place with Carl, her Mom and Dad and all her loved ones who’ve passed. She will be so missed.”
“Rest in Peace Dolly,” she concluded.
View this post on InstagramParton was preceded in death by her beloved husband of nearly 60 years, Carl Dean, who died in March 2025 at the age of 82. Dean’s cause of death was never confirmed publicly, but reports suggested that he’d been suffering from prolonged illness for a while.
Parton’s cause of death has not yet been confirmed, either, though she is known to have been hospitalized in the days before her death, and has missed several public appearances since Dean’s death.
Related: Country Songstress Barbara Mandrell Reacts to Friend Dolly Parton’s Death at 80
Dolly Parton’s Last Released Song, a Sequel to Her 1973 Hit, Became a Cross-Generational Duet
Earlier this spring, rising country singer-songwriter Kelli Belles, who performs under the stage name of Belles, reimagined one of Dolly Parton’s most famous songs. When Parton herself heard it, she just had to sing on it.
“Son of Jolene,” a sequel to Parton’s 1973 smash, “Jolene,” was released more than 50 years after the original. And little did either artist know at the time that it would become a musical passing of the torch.
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A 27-year-old singer from Omaha, Belles is now based in Nashville, where Parton also lived. With her song, she forewent the traditional narrative of a woman stealing another woman’s man; Belles flipped the characters’ perspective and instead asked, What if Jolene had a son?
The new release intentionally plays off details from Parton’s Grammy-nominated “Jolene,” which itself is a true story inspired by a bank teller flirting with Parton’s late husband, Carl Dean. And though the sentiments were factual, Parton told The Independent she used a fictional name for the woman in her song.
Keeping with the original’s storyline makes “Son of Jolene” feel like a true continuation of the original story rather than a simple cover. But here’s the kicker with Belles’ follow-up: The Jolene in this instance was also inspired by a real-life woman, actually named Jolene.
While on tour in 2024 with Trevor Martin, Belles learned that the name of Martin’s mother was Jolene. She was literally touring with the son of Jolene. That sparked a little imagination and led to her to write “Son of Jolene,” which she finished with Dan Harrison and Tyler Bank after getting Martin’s permission to use his mom in a song, of course.
From the outset, Belles also wanted Parton’s blessing, because building a new story around a Dolly Parton character could be seen either as sacrilege or brilliant.
“Of course, when you’re talking about Dolly Parton and ‘Jolene,’ it’s one of the most legendary songs of all time,” Belles told American Songwriter. “So my No. 1 priority was making sure that it was even OK to do something with this topic, and making sure that everything was done the right way.”
But Belles got even more than that. When Parton heard the song, she loved it and wanted in.
“When I heard ‘Son of Jolene,’ I thought it was very clever,” Parton told People. “No one had ever thought of it that way.”
Parton’s participation turned the song from a “clever” sequel into a generational collaboration. Stripped down and delivering an acoustic modern country sound, the duet puts intimate storytelling and tight vocal harmonies front and center.
“When I wrote this song, I would’ve never in a million years thought that it would’ve gone all the way to Dolly, and now I’m here, but I really couldn’t be more grateful,” Belles added.
The song was released on April 17, 2026, 53 years after Parton first dropped her warning to the woman trying to take her man. The sequel duet became a major viral success and even reached No. 11 on the Country Digital Song Sales chart, proving there’s still plenty of life and story left in this chapter.
Now, following the Queen of Country Music’s death at 80, the song takes on another layer of meaning. Her final released recording wasn’t simply a rehashing of one of her greatest hits; it was a new artist taking one of Parton’s most famous stories somewhere it had never been before, with Parton herself right there along for the ride.
Drew Barrymore's 'Sleek' 3-Quart Sauce Pan 'Cleans Up Wonderfully,' and It's on Sale in 4 Colors
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Your summer dinner parties are quickly going to turn into fall gatherings filled with soups and starches. If cooking up seasonal meals sounds overwhelming to you, then there are plenty of ways to make the process easier — like investing in high-quality cookware. Drew Barrymore’s home collection at Walmart has amazing kitchen finds, including the Beautiful 3-Quart Covered Sauce Pan, which is 25% off.
The pan originally cost $40, but has been reduced to $30 during a limited-time rollback deal. It’s available in four classic and pretty colors: black, light blue, sage green, and white. Due to the affordable price, avid cooks can purchase a few pans to use simultaneously. It’s small size makes it particularly great for solo diners or students at school because they’re both easy to use and aesthetically pleasing.
Beautiful 3-Quart Covered Sauce Pan, $30 (was $40) at Walmart Shop at WalmartThe 3-quart sauce pan has gold-toned handles on the side and lid so that you can simply transport it from the stove to the tabletop. The kitchen item is coated with a nonstick ceramic coating, which is especially helpful for cleaning and scooping out food without hassle. Not to mention, it’s also PFA-, PTFE-, lead-, and cadmium-free. Technically the cookware is dishwasher-safe, but to ensure it maintains its quality, it’s recommended to handwash after each use instead. Shoppers say the pan “cleans up wonderfully” either way!
One of the best features of this “sleek” pan is that it can be placed in the oven up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit, and it’s compatible with all stovetops, including induction. The cookware is designed to distribute heat evenly so that your meals cook perfectly. One shopper said that the “convenient” pot is “perfect” to use for anything, especially if you’re just cooking for one person.
Reviewers particularly love the pouring spouts and strainer lid which makes cooking foods like pasta fairly easy. Another customer said that the pot is “solid,” “lightweight,” and “beautiful,” adding that they design won’t “peel and chip terribly” like more expensive brands. Since the pot is durable, you can use it for years to come for everything from vegetables to fall-inspired soups.
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Who Are Dolly Parton’s Siblings? Meet the Country Legend’s 11 Brothers and Sisters
Dolly Parton didn’t have kids of her own, but she came from a big family.
The country superstar, who died on Aug. 25, 2026, at age 80, had 11 siblings: Willadeene Parton, David Parton, Coy “Denver” Parton, Robert Parton Jr., Stella Parton, Cassie Parton, Randy Parton, Larry Parton, Floyd Parton, Freida Parton and Rachel Parton.
The family of 14 grew up in a three-bedroom cabin in Sevierville, Tenn., and while they weren’t rich in material things, they had a lot of love—and quite a bit of musical talent to go around between them. Get to know Dolly Parton’s siblings and how each of them uniquely inluenced her work, from sad songs and duets to cookbooks and beyond.
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Dolly Parton’s Siblings Willadeene PartonWilladeene Parton is Dolly’s oldest sister, born March 24, 1940.
While she dabbled in singing when she was young, Willadeene preferred writing to performing and penned several books, including a 1996 memoir Smoky Mountain Memories: Stories from the Hearts of the Parton Family, followed by a cookbook in 1997.
In Dolly’s 2015 film A Coat of Many Colors, Willadeene is portrayed as a maternal figure to her younger brothers and sisters, including Dolly, who was born Jan. 19, 1946.
Related: Who Will Inherit Dolly Parton’s Fortune?
David Parton Dolly Parton and David Parton in October 1980Dolly’s oldest brother, David Parton, was born in 1942. He avoided the spotlight, so little is known about his life. He died in November 2024 at age 82.
Coy “Denver” PartonCoy “Denver” Parton was born in 1943 and worked as a crane operator during his life. He was also a hunter and homesteader. He died on July 23, 2026, just over a month before Dolly’s own passing. He was 82.
Robert Parton Jr.Little is known about Robert Parton, Jr., beyond his being born in 1948, because he never sought the spotlight!
Related: Dolly Parton’s Goddaughter Miley Cyrus’ Net Worth Revealed
Stella Parton Stella Parton and Dolly Parton in 2014Stella Parton was born May 4, 1949.
Stella pursued several different avenues for her creativity, including music, writing and cooking. She released her debut album in 1975 and penned several books, including her 2011 memoir Tell It Sister, Tell It: Memories, Music and Miracles and three cookbooks. She also competed on Celebrity MasterChef in the U.K. in 2018.
She called herself a “loner” and “independent,” but admitted she loved working with her siblings, as she did when she appeared in Dolly’s 2015 film A Coat of Many Colors.
“If they need me, if they call me out to help with something, producing, consulting or whatever, I’m always there, and they respect and honor that from me,” she said. “But I’ve always been a steadfast, capable person. I certainly don’t think of myself as above average in talent or intellect, but I am above average in productivity. I will work hard.”
Related: Dolly Parton’s Sister Stella Sends Direct Message to Fans About Her Health Issues
Cassie Parton Cassie Parton, Dolly Parton and Rachel Parton in “Dolly Parton’s Mountain Magic Christmas”Cassie Parton (above left) was born Feb. 12, 1951, and has largely eschewed the spotlight, though she performed with Dolly occasionally and used to be in a gospel group. Her son, Bryan Seaver, announced Dolly’s death.
Randy PartonRandy Parton was born on Dec. 15, 1953, and found success as a music producer and was featured on a duet with Dolly for “Old Flames Can’t Hold a Candle to You.” (Fun fact: Kesha‘s mom, Pebe Sebert, penned that tune for Dolly!)
Randy died in January 2021 at age 67 following a battle with cancer.
Related: Dolly Parton’s Net Worth Was as Big as Her Heart
Larry PartonTragically, Larry Parton died in 1955 just four days after his birth. Dolly was 9 years old at the time and said that the experience inspired her 1971 song “A Coat of Many Colors” as well as the 2015 film.
“My mother, through the years, when we were born, since there were so many of us, used to say, ‘This one is gonna be your baby,'” she recalled (via Fox News). “That just meant that you got to take extra care of it. You have got to get up with it at night and rock it back and forth. This particular baby that passed away in the movie was my baby.”
Floyd Parton Dolly Parton and Floyd Parton in 1981Floyd Parton was born June 1, 1957. While never as successful as Dolly in music (because, uh, who was?), Floyd made a name for himself in the industry as a songwriter, penning two No. 1 hits with her: “Rockin’ Years” and “Nickels and Dimes” from Dolly’s 1991 album Heartbreaker.
Floyd died in December 2018. He was 61.
Related: 1970 Country Classic, Sung by 24-Year-Old Dolly Parton, Became a No. 1 Hit That Defined Her Career
Freida Parton Stella Parton, Freida Parton and Dolly Parton recording in January 1981Born June 1, 1957, Freida Parton is Floyd Parton’s fraternal twin sister. Freida is a musician (you can see her here in the studio with Dolly in 1981 recording her self-titled album Freida Parton). She’s still releasing material today, and in November 2024 released a duet with Dolly called “The Crops Came In” for Dolly’s album Smoky Mountain DNA.
Rachel Parton GeorgeDolly’s youngest sibling is sister Rachel Parton George, born Aug. 31, 1959.
She dropped out of high school to join Dolly on the road, where she served as the “Here You Come Again” singer’s makeup artist and backup singer. She was also in her own musical project, the Honey Creek Band, where she served as lead vocalist.
Rachel Parton may be the most recognizable of Dolly’s sisters, as she’s co-author of Good Lookin’ Cookin’: A Year of Meals—A Lifetime of Family, Friends, and Food and starred as fictionalized version of herself in the ABC sitcom 9 to 5 based on Dolly’s famous song of the same name.
Related: What Happened to Dolly Parton’s Husband Carl Dean and When Did He Die?
How To Watch the ‘Steel Magnolias’ To Honor the Late Dolly Parton
The legendary singer-songwriter and actress Dolly Parton has died at 80.
Throughout her more than seven-decade-long career, she released 50 studio albums, won 11 Grammys and three Emmys, wrote 25 No. 1 hits, and received an honorary Academy Award. She saw success in everything she did, from entertainment to philanthropy.
Fans of the late country music icon recall her performances in films like the 1989 hit Steel Magnolias. If you want to rewatch the beloved rom-com, here’s where to look.
The movie across platforms for various costs (including free).
First up is PlutoTV. This free streamer is one of the easier ways to watch the film.
Next, Steel Magnolias is currently streaming on Paramount+. New customers can receive a seven-day free trial. Otherwise, visitors can choose between the Essential plan ($8.99/month with ads) or the Premium plan ($13.99/month, no ads, and access to Showtime titles and live CBS).
The film is available for purchase on Apple TV, Amazon, Fandango, and YouTube TV for $3.99.
Steel Magnolias is based on the 1987 off-Broadway play written by Robert Harling. It was directed by Herbert Ross and starred Sally Field, Dolly Parton, Shirley MacLaine, Daryl Hannah, and Julia Roberts.
It was one of Parton’s most notable acting roles before she passed.
Her death was announced by her nephew Bryan Seaver in an Instagram video posted on Tuesday, Aug. 25, captioned, “A message from the family of Dolly Parton.”
“This video announcement is something Dolly asked of me years ago, before I fully absorbed it as a future reality,” he said. “As her head of security for more than two decades, a role my father Larry held before me, 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,” Seaver continued. “Dolly has lived in the light and is in the arms of Jesus, surely met by Carl, her parents, and countless others who have watched her and longed for her to meet them in the heavens.”
“Rest in peace, Aunt Dolly,” he ended the message. “May God bless Dolly Parton, and may God bless you all. She will always love you.”
Jane Fonda Mourns ‘9 to 5’ Costar and ‘Loyal Friend’: ‘I Never Knew Anyone Like Her’
Jane Fonda is mourning the loss of her longtime friend and 9 to 5 costar Dolly Parton.
Following news of Parton’s death at age 80, the 88-year-old actress shared an emotional tribute remembering the country music icon as a “beautiful woman” and “loyal friend” who left an unforgettable mark on her life and the lives of millions.
“I am devastated. I just learned that Dolly has moved on,” Fonda said in a statement.
She reflected on the lasting impact Parton had on those around her, saying she believed the singer would “always be with us” because of how deeply she touched people’s lives.
“I know that millions are mourning and I want to say this – more than anyone I have ever known, Dolly will always be with us because she was so present, so powerful, so generous and playful that she is woven into all our lives and hearts forever,” she said.
The Barbarella star pointed to Parton’s music, Dollywood, 9 to 5 and the millions of books she helped put into children’s hands as just some of the many things she left behind. “And they are all blessings.”
She added, “Let’s be grateful for all that she has left us to ease our sadness now.”
View this post on Instagram“I never knew anyone like her,” Fonda continued. “She was simultaneously a naughty, playful southern gal from the hollows of Tennessee and a deep, soulful thinker who could see through people right down to their true selves.”
Fonda went on to describe Parton as a “lyricist, songstress, player of many instruments, writer, prankster, visionary” and “loyal friend.”
She also remembered the mischievous side of her friend, recalling one particular story involving Parton and Kenny Rogers.
“She had a survivor’s instinct and seemed to always know just what to do, just what to say, to make things right … and then she’d stick her butt out the car window and moon Kenny Rogers’ home,” Fonda said.
The actress called Parton “the voluptuous embodiment of empathy,” adding that it was one of the qualities she hoped people would carry with them.
Fonda also had a special message for Parton’s LGBTQ+ fans. “To her gay and trans fans, I want you to know that she loved you. You know that without me telling you,” she said. “She loved all her fans and they are legion.”
The Book Club star encouraged fans to celebrate her life and legacy. “And you know she doesn’t want y’all to mourn now. Dress up and celebrate her spirit,” she said.
Fonda also reminded fans about the Grace and Frankie series finale, where Parton made a surprise appearance as an angel. “But first, watch the final episode of Grace and Frankie where she’s an Angel, the head honcho working class angel in Heaven.”
She ended her tribute, “RIP, beautiful woman. We love you.”
Parton’s Grace and Frankie cameo marked a special reunion with Fonda and Lily Tomlin, who starred alongside her in the 1980 workplace comedy 9 to 5.
The film became Parton’s biggest box-office success, bringing in more than $103 million worldwide. It also gave her one of her signature hits, “9 to 5,” which earned Oscar and Grammy recognition and topped charts around the world.
Related: Dolly Parton’s Last Public Appearance Came Just 2 Months Before Her Death at 80
Reese Witherspoon's Heartbreaking Dolly Parton Tribute: 'I Count My Lucky Stars'
Dolly Parton had a huge impact on Reese Witherspoon’s career.
The beloved actress explained that the late “I Will Always Love You” artist helped her prepare for her Oscar winning role in Walk the Line, sharing a touching tribute hours after Parton’s death.
“I count my lucky stars that I called Dolly my friend,” Witherspoon shared via Instagram. “When I was playing June Carter Cash in Walk the Line, she took me to dinner and told me stories of how June Carter charmed everyone in country music.”
She added, “Dolly gave me the courage to put my whole spirit into that performance and made me see how lucky I was to be a storyteller. Throughout my entire career, she sent me little notes of encouragement and support, telling me to be the light in people’s lives and listen to my angels. Always signed: ‘I will always love you.’ 🦋.”
View this post on InstagramParton tragically died on Tuesday, August 25, just days after being admitted to a hospital in Tennessee. Her family shared the news in a moving social media video.
“My family and I have shared a lifetime of beautiful memories with Dolly. But so have you,” Parton’s nephew, Brian Seaver shared. “She has always been on your television, your record player, your CD and on your phone’s playlist, becoming an extended part of your family whether you liked it or not.”
Witherspoon went on to win an Academy Award for Best Actress for her portrayal of June Carter Cash in the beloved 2006 film.
“Dolly, I miss you already. Your talent, your wisdom and your beautiful spirit lit up our lives. Go soar with your angels…. We will always love you,” she shared on Tuesday.
Dolly Parton Once Saved Her 9-Year-Old Co-Star’s Life — See Her All Grown Up
In the 2020 Netflix movie Christmas on the Square, Dolly Parton plays an angel tasked with convincing a Scrooge-like woman who has returned to her small town and plans to evict the residents on Christmas Eve to sell the land to a mall developer.
Spoiler alert: Parton is successful, but along with playing an angel on screen, the country singer was also one in real life. While filming the holiday film, she saved the life of a 9-year-old child actor named Talia Hill on set.
“We were on set, and I was at the hot chocolate station, and they said go back to your beginning positions,” Hill told Inside Edition ahead of the movie’s release. “So there was a vehicle moving, and I was walking, and then somebody grabbed me and pulled me back, and I looked up, and it was Dolly Parton.”
She went on to say that she was in “shock,” and even her mom was crying behind the scenes. To thank the country legend, Hill dressed up as Parton for Halloween that year, captioning a photo of her costume on Instagram, “For Halloween, I dressed up as my favorite Angel @dollyparton! I love her so much and enjoyed working with her on Christmas on the Square.”
View this post on InstagramSo, where is Hill today? Six years after working with Parton, the now 15-year-old is living in New York City and focused on her dancing career. She is also signed to Clear Talent Group.
And talent runs in her family. Her brother, Tristan Hill, who also appeared as a child actor in the Netflix movie, made his Broadway debut in May 2025 in Wicked.
Sadly, Parton died on August 25, 2026, at the age of 80. At the time of publication, Hill had yet to comment on her guardian angel’s passing.
Costco Is Selling a Chic Pair of Clarks Boots That Are Pure Comfortcore
For the greater part of my life, I have willingly sacrificed the comfort of my feet for the sake of looking cute. I have squeezed toes into shoes that had no business containing actual human feet, tottered around in heels that made walking feel like an extreme sport and convinced myself that if the shoes looked good enough, the resulting pain was simply part of the outfit. Youth is funny that way.
These days, however, I find myself considerably less interested in suffering for fashion. I still want the cute shoes, obviously—I’m not abandoning style entirely. But I would also like to walk around without feeling as though my feet have personally filed a complaint against me. At this stage, softness, cushioning and an easy fit have become less of a bonus and more of a requirement.
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Clarks Women’s Boot, $37.99 at CostcoCostco
Fortunately, comfort doesn’t necessarily mean resigning yourself to orthopedic-looking footwear. There are boots that can bring the style while also treating your feet like they’ve been through enough, which brings me to a recent Costco find: Clarks Women’s Boots that look polished enough to wear with your favorite outfits while offering the kind of comfort my feet and I have been patiently waiting for.
These Clarks boots have the kind of classic black look that makes them easy to wear with just about everything, from jeans to leggings to a dress when you’re feeling more ambitious. The lace-up front lets you adjust the fit, and there’s a side zipper with a stretchy panel, so you can get them on and off without fully undoing the laces every time. It’s a small detail that becomes very important when you’re in a hurry.
Inside, the soft lining and cushioned foam add some welcome comfort, giving your feet a little more support than the shoes you may have spent your earlier years stubbornly enduring, like me.
Costco is making a solid argument for giving your wardrobe a little attention. Right now, you can mix and match qualifying clothing and shoes from the warehouse club and save $20 when you buy five to nine items, or $50 when you hit 10 items. The savings automatically appear in your cart, so there’s no coupon gymnastics required.
Linda Ronstadt Mourns 'The Most Extraordinary' Dolly Parton
In the wake of Dolly Parton’s death at age 80, her longtime friend and collaborator Linda Ronstadt is remembering the country music legend and the extraordinary experience they shared making music together.
Parton died in Nashville on Tuesday, Aug. 25, following a period in which she had largely remained out of the public eye amid unspecified health issues. Her death came 17 months after the death of her husband of nearly 60 years, Carl Dean, in March 2025.
Ronstadt shared a photo of herself with Parton and fellow collaborator Emmylou Harris on Instagram alongside a brief but poignant tribute.
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of my friend, Dolly Parton. One of the most extraordinary musical experiences of my life was recording with her. The world is a poorer place without her.”
The two singers’ musical history stretches back decades, most famously through their collaboration with Harris on the landmark album Trio.
Linda Ronstadt, Dolly Parton and Emmylou Harris’ Long Road to ‘Trio’ View this post on InstagramRonstadt, Parton and Harris had been friends and mutual admirers long before Trio finally arrived in 1987. In fact, the three first attempted to make an album together in the mid-’70s, but scheduling problems and their commitments to different record labels prevented the project from being completed.
Their musical lives continued to intertwine in the meantime. Ronstadt recorded Parton’s “I Will Always Love You,” while Harris covered Parton compositions including “Coat of Many Colors” and “To Daddy.” Parton returned the admiration by recording Harris’ “Boulder to Birmingham.”
More than a decade after their original attempt, the three women finally made it work.
Released in March 1987, Trio became both a commercial and critical success. The album reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart, where it remained for five weeks, and climbed to No. 6 on the Billboard 200. Its first single, “To Know Him Is to Love Him,” also reached No. 1 on the country chart.
The project ultimately won the Grammy Award for Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group With Vocal and earned an Album of the Year nomination. Trio also won Album of the Year at the Academy of Country Music Awards and Vocal Event of the Year at the CMA Awards.
The three singers reunited for Trio II, released in 1999, and the original Trio was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2020.
Dolly Parton’s Extraordinary LegacyParton’s career stretched across seven decades, from her first single, “Puppy Love,” recorded when she was just 13, to a late-career resurgence that brought her new generations of fans. She earned 25 No. 1 hits on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart, the most for a woman, and placed 49 albums in the Top Country Albums top 10.
Her songs became standards far beyond her own recordings. “Jolene” grew into her most-covered composition, while “I Will Always Love You” became a No. 1 country hit for Parton twice before Whitney Houston turned it into a worldwide phenomenon in 1992.
Parton’s influence also extended far beyond music. Her Imagination Library has provided millions of books to young children, while her philanthropy included a $1 million donation to Vanderbilt University Medical Center that helped fund research behind Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine.
For Ronstadt, however, the loss is also intensely personal: the death of a friend with whom she shared what she now calls one of the most extraordinary musical experiences of her life.
Dollywood Shares Heartfelt Statement Honoring 'Beloved Dreamer-in-Chief' Dolly Parton
Following the heartbreaking news of global icon Dolly Parton’s passing on Tuesday, the team at Dollywood Parks & Resorts released an emotional statement honoring the woman who transformed the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains into a world-renowned capital of joy and hospitality.
Rather than closing its gates, the Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, destination announced that it will remain open on Wednesday—a decision made directly in honor of Dolly’s signature work ethic and her enduring belief that “the show must go on.”
“With heavy hearts, the Dollywood family mourns the passing of our beloved Dreamer-in-Chief, Dolly Parton,” the park shared in an official release. “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.”
Related: Dolly Parton Makes Virtual Appearance for NightFlight Expedition Announcement
View this post on Instagram Honoring a Mountain LegacyEugene Naughton, president of Dollywood Parks & Resorts, reflected on the immense privilege of working alongside Parton to expand her Appalachian dream.
“The greatest privilege of my life has been helping Dolly bring her dreams to life at Dollywood,” Naughton said. “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 shared and every dream kindled within these gates.”
Dollywood has long stood apart in the theme park industry as a true reflection of Parton herself: warm, accessible, grounded in family, and deeply rooted in East Tennessee heritage. Even as she oversaw major modern expansions—from the opening of Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort to the immersive Dolly Parton Experience—she remained deeply tied to the property. Just recently, she appeared virtually to christen the park’s newest attraction, sharing a heartfelt, personal moment with guests that celebrated her Smoky Mountain roots.
Related: Dollywood Unveils First Look at ‘NightFlight Expedition’ Ride
Carrying the Light ForwardParton’s profound impact on her home region extended far beyond rides and live entertainment. Through her Dollywood Foundation and her beloved Imagination Library, she dedicated decades to lifting up local families, championing childhood literacy, and quietly supporting those facing hardship across the globe.
In their announcement, park leadership noted that those wishing to pay tribute to Dolly’s life and legacy are encouraged to make a gift to the cause closest to her heart: Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.
As guests walk beneath the entrance gates on Wednesday, they won’t find a somber silence—they will find the warmth, the mountain tunes, and the joyful spirit that Dolly spent an entire lifetime sharing with the world.
Related: The Smoky Mountain Dream That Dolly Built Turns 40 Today
Dolly Parton Wrote This Heartbreaking Song When She Was Just 5
The late Dolly Parton graced country music fans with a plethora of hits, ranging from 1977’s “Here You Come Again” to 1974’s “I Will Always Love You,” famously covered by Whitney Houston.
In a 2013 interview with 60 Minutes Australia, Parton, who died at the age of 80, discussed writing songs in her early childhood. She confirmed she penned a song she never released, titled “Life Doesn’t Mean Much to Me” at just five years old. Literary Hub reported that the tune depicted the life and death of a soldier.
During the 60 Minutes Australia interview, Parton explained that her mother, Avie Lee Owens, her aunts, and her grandmother would discuss wartime stories in front of her during her childhood in Sevier County, Tennessee.
“I would hear my mama and my aunts and my grandmother. Oh, they would just sit around and just tell these awful, god-awful tales, and then somebody that had been killed in the war, maybe a son or an uncle or, you know, a husband. I would hear all these sad stories. So, everything really registers deep in me still to this day. So I wrote this song, about, you know, ‘Life Don’t Me Much to Me,'” said Parton.
She also said she had an aptitude for rhyming that helped her with her songwriting, even when she was a child.
“I could rhyme words as long as I can remember. Mama was always fascinated how I could rhyme words. So I would just start to write something, and I could just rhyme it, and I would just put together their sentences and things I would hear them say and talk about and make a story out of it,” said the musician in the 60 Minutes Australia interview.
Literary Hub reported that Parton made similar comments about being a natural at rhyming in a separate interview.
“Since I have been able to form words, I have been able to rhyme them. I could catch on to anything that had a rhythm and make a song to go with it. I would take the two notes of a bobwhite in the darkness and make that the start of a song. I would latch on to the rhythm my mother made snapping beans, and before I knew it, I’d be tapping on a pot with a spoon and singing. I don’t know what some of this sounded like to my family, but in my head it was beautiful music,” said Parton as reported by Literary Hub.
The Wild Reason the World's First Cloned Sheep Was Named After Dolly Parton
When it comes to lore, no one can top Dolly Parton.
Along with once losing a Dolly Parton lookalike contest, funding a COVID vaccine, and saving a child actor on set, Parton was also named after the world’s first cloned sheep for the craziest reason.
Related: Dolly Parton Had Several Tattoos Fans Never Saw — Here’s Why She Had Them
In February 1997, the Roslin Institute in Edinburgh, Scotland, made history when they announced they had cloned the first animal from an adult cell. Professor Ian Wilmut led the team and revealed that Dolly the Sheep was named after the country legend because she was grown from a single mammary cell.
Yes, Parton’s bosom was the inspiration for Dolly the sheep’s name.
“Dolly is derived from a mammary gland cell [of a sheep], and we couldn’t think of a more impressive pair of glands than Dolly Parton’s,” Professor Wilmut reportedly said at the time.
View this post on InstagramAs expected, the “Jolene” singer was flattered by the decision, and even mourned Dolly the Sheep’s death in 2003.
“Everybody always played up to these [points to her chest], so that’s why we had Dolly the sheep,” Parton told The Guardian in 2024. “I was sorry when she died, though I don’t want be cloned myself. I want to get on out of here when I can. We already get a lot of Dolly lookalikes, a lot of Dolly drag queens. I can just send them down to the store instead of me.”
Dolly the sheep was sadly euthanized at the age of 6 due to progressive lung disease. However, her body was preserved and is on display at the National Museum of Scotland. Dolly was also cloned four times, and her “siblings” were named Daisy, Debbie, Dianna, and Denise.
Sadly, Parton passed away at the age of 80 on August 25, 2026, but she will always be remembered for her incredible life, which included a cloned sheep.
Country Songstress Barbara Mandrell Reacts to Friend Dolly Parton's Death at 80
Barbara Mandrell is among the latest members of the country music community to pay tribute to the late Dolly Parton.
Following the news of Parton’s death at the age of 80 on Tuesday, Aug. 25, Mandrell took to social media to honor the life and legacy of the “9 to 5” songstress, with whom she had been friends for more than five decades.
On Tuesday afternoon, Mandrell, 77, shared an Instagram post with a black-and-white photo of her and Dolly during presenting an award together during the 14th annual CMA Awards show, which took place at the Grand Ole Opry House on Oct. 13, 1980. The throwback picture shows the pair reacting after revealing George Jones as the winner in the Male Vocalist of the Year category.
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In her caption, Mandrell wrote, “Dolly was truly one of a kind. God blessed her with an extraordinary gift, but as remarkable as her talent was, her heart was even greater. I will always treasure her friendship, her laughter and the wonderful memories we shared through the years.”
Parton and Mandrell became friends early on in their careers, and notably crossed paths in the ’70s when they were photographed together at the Country Music Hall of Fame Walkway of Stars ceremony in April 1972. Parton also appeared more than once on Mandrell’s variety show, Barbara Mandrell & the Mandrell Sisters, which ran for two seasons in the early ’80s.
“She brought so much joy to this world, and I know her music, her kindness and her faith will continue to touch lives for generations,” Mandrell continued in her post on Tuesday, before concluding, “My prayers are with her family and all who loved her. I will always love you, @dollyparton.”
Dolly Parton’s Cause of Death: What We Know So Far
Related: Kelly Clarkson’s Show Makes Eerie Post Hours Ahead of Dolly Parton Death News
Dolly Parton Hospitalized for Kidney and Autoimmune Issues Days Before Her Death at 80
Five days before her death, Dolly Parton was admitted to a Nashville hospital as the health problems that had increasingly limited her public schedule continued. The country music icon died Tuesday, August 25, at age 80. Her nephew, Bryan Seaver, announced her death in a video shared through Parton’s Instagram account. Her official cause of death has not been disclosed.
Why Was Dolly Parton Hospitalized Before Her Death?TMZ reported on Tuesday, August 25, citing that Parton entered Vanderbilt University Medical Center on Thursday night, August 20.
The outlet stated that the country music legend said she was dealing with “kidney and autoimmune issues” and died at the hospital Tuesday morning.
The report did not identify a specific autoimmune condition or provide further information about the severity of her kidney problems. Parton’s family has not said whether either issue caused or contributed to her death.
What Did Dolly Parton Say in Her Final Interview?Parton spoke with People on Friday, August 21, one day after her reported admission. She acknowledged that she had not given enough attention to her own health while caring for her husband, Carl Dean. “I am dealing with some health issues that I just didn’t pay attention to when I was watching over Carl,” she said.
Dean died in March 2025 at age 82 after nearly 59 years of marriage. Parton also told the outlet that she had endured difficult health periods before, including gynecological problems that kept her away from work for several months during the early 1980s.
View this post on InstagramDespite her condition, she continued discussing plans for a Nashville museum, hotel and other business ventures.
Which Health Problems Had Dolly Parton Previously Revealed?Parton withdrew from a Dollywood event on Friday, August 14, after her doctor instructed her not to travel from Nashville to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. “Sometimes I get a little dizzy, and I get dehydrated,” she explained in a recorded message, according to ABC News. Parton later relayed her doctor’s instructions: “And so my Nashville doctor clipped my wings, saying you ain’t traveling this week.”
The cancellation followed months of health setbacks. Parton missed another Dollywood event in September 2025 after a kidney stone led to an infection.
She subsequently postponed a Las Vegas residency and canceled it in May 2026.
In that May update, Parton said recurring kidney stones and problems involving her immune and digestive systems had required medication and treatment. She did not publicly disclose an autoimmune diagnosis.
How Was Dolly Parton’s Death Announced?Seaver, who served as Parton’s head of security for more than two decades, delivered the news at her request. He said she had asked him years earlier to make the announcement when the time came.
The 11-time Grammy winner leaves a legacy spanning music, film, business and philanthropy. Her defining songs include “Jolene,” “Coat of Many Colors” and “I Will Always Love You.” She also starred in 9 to 5 and Steel Magnolias, helped develop Dollywood, and founded the Imagination Library.
Her family has asked for donations to the children’s literacy program instead of flowers.
2010s Metal Band Inter Arma From Virginia Announces 20th Anniversary Tour
Inter Arma has some exciting news for their longtime fans.
The extreme metal band shared on Instagram on Tuesday morning that they will be embarking on multiple shows across the East Coast of the United States this October to celebrate 20 years as a band. The 20th anniversary shows kick off in Atlanta on Oct. 8 and will conclude on Oct. 16 in Philadelphia. In between, they are set to stop in Asheville and Chapel Hill, North Carolina; their hometown of Richmond, VA; Baltimore; Buffalo; Worchester and New York City. The run also marks exactly 900 shows since their first performance in Richmond.
Bands Antichrist Siege Machine and Chained to the Bottom of the Ocean will join them as supporting acts on select dates.
“Twenty years of Inter Arma,” the band wrote as their caption. “Come join us for a special set of material from the last two decades.”
View this post on InstagramSince their formation 20 years ago, Inter Arma has resisted being categorized into one genre. The group has released a total of five studio albums and multiple EPs with original music, with their most recent being New Heaven in 2024. To celebrate this milestone and their impact in the metal scene, Inter Arma will be performing a mix of old and new songs for their fans around the country this fall.
“Inter Arma played our first show in a grimy basement in Richmond, VA, on October 12th, 2006,” vocalist Mike Paparo said in a press release. “We’ll be playing material from across our discography for this brief run, including dusting off some rockers that haven’t been heard in well over a decade. These will be our final shows for the foreseeable future before we retreat back to our dingy practice space to finish album number six. We hope to see you there.”
“Touring is awesome, we love it and we wouldn’t want to do anything else,” guitarist Trey Dalton told Doomed and Stoned while the band was on tour in 2018. “It is also very boring, more often than not — lots of waiting — but it still rules. Playing shows is awesome and interacting with people that you don’t know or wouldn’t know otherwise is great.”
Inter Arma’s current lineup includes Paparo, Dalton, Steven Russell, Joel Moore and TJ Childers. Tickets can be purchased on the band’s official website.
Related: ’90s Rock Band Skillet Announces Update on 20th Anniversary Tour
1984 No. 1 Hit, Transformed by an Addition Nobody Planned, Left Foreigner 'Uncontrollably' Crying in the Studio
In 1984, Foreigner recorded the song that would become the band’s biggest hit, but one of its most recognizable elements wasn’t part of the original plan.
“I Want to Know What Love Is,” released in November 1984 as the lead single from Foreigner’s fifth studio album Agent Provocateur paired Lou Gramm’s lead vocal with the soaring voices of the New Jersey Mass Choir. The power ballad eventually became Foreigner’s first and only No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100.
But according to Gramm, Foreigner hadn’t even considered putting a choir on the song.
In a new interview on The Jordan Edwards Show, the original Foreigner frontman revealed that the idea arrived unexpectedly while the band was finishing the track.
“We hadn’t even thought of a choir,” Gramm said.
According to Gramm, a friend of guitarist Mick Jones who worked as a record label representative for a gospel choir stopped by the studio to say hello. While there, he happened to hear Foreigner working on “I Want to Know What Love Is,” which at that point featured a rough vocal from Gramm.
“He heard that and he goes, ‘Mick,’ he says, ‘don’t finish the song,'” Gramm recalled.
The visitor told Jones he knew “the best gospel choir you’ll ever want to hear” and asked him to imagine what those voices could do to the song’s choruses.
The suggestion moved remarkably quickly from idea to reality.
“A day and a half later, he brought them in,” Gramm said.
The New Jersey Mass Choir had already been given a rough version of the song to learn before arriving at the studio. Once Foreigner played the track and the choir began singing the chorus, Gramm knew they were hearing something special.
“It sounded like church,” he recalled. “Just like church.”
The effect in the control room was immediate.
“The guys in the band were in the control room and tears started flowing down our faces uncontrollably because it was so beautiful and so touching,” Gramm said.
The moment also changed how Gramm understood the song itself.
“We hadn’t intended it to be a song like that,” he added, “but that’s the kind of song it ended up being.”
The finished recording featured the New Jersey Mass Choir alongside additional backing vocals from Dreamgirls star Jennifer Holliday, while Thompson Twins frontman Tom Bailey contributed synthesizer.
And if Foreigner had any doubts about the song’s commercial potential before the choir arrived, Gramm says they disappeared afterward.
“We certainly knew we had something before the choir, but after the choir, there was no doubt that that was going to be our first single,” he said. Even Atlantic Records personnel who heard the performance had difficulty containing their emotions, according to Gramm.
That instinct proved correct.
“I Want to Know What Love Is” reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in February 1985, knocking Madonna’s “Like a Virgin” from the top spot. It also became Foreigner’s first and only No. 1 on the U.K. singles chart and topped charts in numerous other countries. Billboard ultimately ranked it as the No. 4 Hot 100 song of 1985.
More than four decades later, the song remains inseparable from the voices that Foreigner never originally intended it to have. And for Gramm, the first time he heard them remains powerful enough to remember exactly what happened inside that control room: The band cried.
Dolly Parton Has Died—And There's an Eerie Connection to What’s Coming Next
Dolly Parton’s name is about to take on a very different meaning.
On Aug. 25, news that the country music legend had died broke, leaving millions of fans mourning the loss of one of music’s most beloved stars. In an odd bit of irony, however, fans might see the name “Dolly” making headlines again in the coming days.
You see, “Dolly” is the next name on the list for the 2026 hurricane season—and there is a storm off the coast of Africa that could develop into Dolly, on the heels of the country music star’s death.
“Red blob alert. Decent chance this becomes a named storm down the road. Models all over the place with it, but most (not all) eventually curve it away from the US. The next name on the list is Dolly,” beloved Tampa Bay area meteorologist Denis Phillips wrote on Facebook after the news about Parton was reported.
The comments section quickly filled with posts about the Grammy winner.
“The irony of the next name being Dolly,” one person wrote.
“Well in true Dolly fashion, she will likely be one hell of a force that everyone feels,” someone else said.
“That’s crazy that it will be named Dolly after Dolly Parton passed away today,” a third comment read.
So far, there’s a greater than 60% chance that the area of concern will develop into a named storm, according to the National Weather Service. In order for a tropical cyclone to receive a name, it must reach sustained winds of at least 39 mph.
It’s hard to predict if and when we will see Tropical Storm Dolly—or potentially Hurricane Dolly—but the name is unlikely to go unnoticed given the timing of Parton’s death.
For those wondering how hurricanes get their names, there is a process. The World Meteorological Organization maintains six alphabetical lists of names for Atlantic storms, which are rotated every six years. Some names are retired and replaced when a storm is particularly deadly or destructive, out of respect for those affected.
READ NEXT: What Happened to Dolly Parton’s Husband Carl Dean and When Did He Die?
Walmart’s ‘Unique’ 10-Tier Tree Bookcase Is a Dream Find for Bookworms Who Love to Display Their Collection
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If you’ve been looking for a stylish way to organize an ever-growing book collection, Walmart has plenty of options worth browsing. From slim bookshelves designed for small spaces to rotating bookcases with plenty of room for storage, there’s no shortage of ways to keep books well-organized. For shoppers who want something a little more eye-catching than a traditional bookcase, the retailer has one “unique” option that’s turning heads.
Right now, the Costway 10-Tier Tree Bookshelf With Drawer is just $50 at Walmart, down from $60. Its tree-inspired design features 10 tiers for holding books, framed photos, plants and other collectibles. It’s available in two colors — white and rustic brown — for the same price.
Costway 10-Tier Tree Bookshelf With Drawer, $50 (was $60) at Walmart Shop at WalmartThe bookshelf measures 15 inches long by 8.5 inches wide by 59 inches high, giving you plenty of vertical storage in a compact design. Its distinctive shape makes it especially appealing to book lovers who want to turn their collection into part of the room’s decor.
At the bottom, a removable fabric drawer provides concealed storage for smaller belongings. Remove the drawer to turn the space into an additional open shelf for items you want to keep within easy reach. The shelf also comes with an anti-toppling kit that lets you secure the bookshelf to the wall, while anti-slip foot pads help keep it steady and protect your floors.
Walmart shoppers have plenty of positive things to say about the unusual silhouette. “It’s a conversation piece,” one reviewer wrote, adding that they received “many compliments.” Another called it the “best bookshelf” they’ve ever bought, saying it was “easy to assemble and sturdy.”
A third shopper said it “holds all my books and looks great in my home office.” With its eye-catching shape and flexible storage, it’s an easy way to make a book collection feel more like part of the room.
Shop More Deals- Costway 6-Piece Stackable Shoe Rack, $122 (was $199) at Walmart
- WQD Wide-Leg Joggers, $15 (were $25) at Walmart
- Beautiful by Drew Barrymore Stoneware Pie Dish, $10 (was $13) at Walmart
Whether you’re refreshing a reading nook, organizing a home office or filling an empty corner, Costway’s 10-Tier Tree Bookshelf With Drawer is an easy way to make your book collection more stylish. Head to Walmart to shop it while the deal lasts!
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