The world of music mourns the death of Dolly Parton
Mick Jagger, Miley Cyrus, Katy Perry and Paul McCartney have wanted to bid farewell to the country singer, who leaves songs like 'Jolene' and 'I will always love you'
BarcelonaDolly Parton, who died this Tuesday at the age of 80 as a result of cancer, has been one of the most important figures in country music for the last five decades in the United States. A genre whose stylistic coordinates she knew how to adapt to her artistic and political concerns, and always from the perspective of women. The singer's relevance and popularity have prompted numerous expressions of condolence on social networks in recent hours, from Mick Jagger to Paul McCartney, Beyoncé, Miley Cyrus, Sabrina Carpenter, and Katy Perry.
The singer of the Rolling Stones, three years older than Parton, said: "Dolly was a wonderful singer and songwriter. She touched many people. We will miss her." Jagger also posted two photos of the singer with him taken in the 1970s.
Paul McCartney has highlighted that Parton "was so full of life that it is difficult to take in the news of her death." In addition to highlighting her talent as a songwriter, he wanted to recall "that her philanthropy was unmatched in the world of country music." Parton promoted, among other initiatives, literacy programs in disadvantaged areas, created university scholarships, funded NGOs, and during the covid-19 pandemic, provided financial support for the development of vaccines. "I feel very honored that Parton wanted to sing a version of "}Que així sigui", McCartney has stated in relation to the song, which was included on the album Rockstar (2023), the penultimate by the singer.
Miley Cyrus also wanted to say goodbye to Parton, who in addition to guiding her musical career from a very young age, ended up becoming her godmother. "You taught me that true magic comes from being honest with yourself – she declared –. Thank you for the happiness you've given me, for the sincerity, and for the affection you put into everything you did. Words cannot do justice to express how much we will miss you. Rest in peace." Cyrus also shared a video of Parton's and her last joint performance, in which they performed "Wrecking ball and I will always love you.
"Dolly, you are our barometer. The North Star. Bold and brilliant," assured Beyoncé. Sabrina Carpenter declared: "The world will seek your light forever." Taylor Swift added: "A world without Dolly doesn't seem possible, real, or right." Katy Perry was one of the few who referred to the singer's physique, with the intention of offering an emotional message: "She showed that big breasts, a huge brain, and a great voice can be part of a tiny body. By far, however, the greatest thing Dolly had was her heart." Perry also recalled on her Instagram account that Parton was "a woman who defied stereotypes for decades," and highlighted her sense of humor. "She was glamorous, funny, and tender like no other," she assured.
"Dolly's death has shocked and devastated me – Elton John lamented. She was a giant, unique, and irreplaceable artist. One of the kindest people I have ever known." Dionne Warwick, for her part, admitted that she will miss "the smile, the jokes, and the presence" of someone like Dolly Parton: "Rest in peace, my friend.