Pitbull, Harry Styles, Miley Cyrus, Eminem Pay Tribute to Dolly Parton
Dolly Parton was one of those American icons who was very nearly universally adored.
And following her passing this week at age 80, fellow musicians are paying tribute to her lasting legacy.
Pitbull paused his performance last night in New York state to remember Parton. He told the crowd: “We’re having a great time and then we’re losing our minds, but there’s someone that was very special to me and showed me love and believed in me when a lot of folks didn’t and gave me an opportunity. And her name is Dolly Parton. She lived an amazing life. A hardworking woman, intelligent, sophisticated, funny, powerful, intimidating, but more than anything a good human being with a good heart. And she showed me a whole lot of love. So to all the crowds, this is dedicated to y’all, but more than anything to the legend that will live forever, Dolly Parton.”
Pitbull then played his 2024 Dolly collaboration, “Powerful Women,” a reimagined version of Dolly’s classic “9 to 5.”
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Miley Cyrus had a unique bond with Parton, as the singer was Miley’s godmother. Cyrus wrote a tribute on social media: “The feeling of losing my Aunt Dolly is beyond what feels right to share. Our most sacred moments were private, and they’ll stay there behind the stage, beneath the glamour and between our hearts.”
She went on to say: “I will always love her and want to make her proud. My heart breaks for the world, her family and friends who will miss her deeply. We’re in this loss together, and we will see her in all of the most beautiful things.”
Cyrus’ father, Billy Ray, worked with Parton on tour in 1992, the year Miley was born.
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Harry Styles also paused his show Wednesday night at Madison Square Garden to pay tribute to Parton.
He told the crowd: “I wanna say a proper ‘Thank you’ to all the musicians over the years that’ve inspired me. Dolly, we love you, thank you so much.”
Styles then played her hit song, “I Will Always Love You” while the crowd danced and held up their cell phones.
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Eminem also joined in the tributes. He shared a letter Dolly once wrote him, and said it really had an impact on him. He wrote: “She definitely didn’t have to take the time to do it. Even for a kid who mostly listened to rap music, she was an icon. A superstar in every sense. Rest easy Dolly. And thank you for the kind words.”
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