LGBTQ+ icons lead tributes to Dolly Parton after country legend's death

Celebrities from across music and entertainment have paid tribute to Dolly Parton following the country legend's death aged 80, with LGBTQ+ stars joining the emotional farewells.

Country music legend Dolly Parton has died aged 80, her family announced on Tuesday. Her nephew, Bryan Seaver, announced the news in a video posted on her Instagram, though he did not provide details about her death.

Parton died "peacefully" on Tuesday at her Nashville home, her family said in a statement.

"A rhinestone life that shone bright enough for the world to see, Dolly will forever stand as an inspiration not only through her timeless music and prolific songwriting, but also her wit, warmth, and kindness that made us all feel like family," they said.

"Dolly was a farmer, just like her daddy," Seaver said in the announcement. "He farmed the soil, she farmed songs and happiness." The family said she "inspired multiple generations of artists and fans with her music and an unwavering commitment to making the world a better place" and that "her philanthropic work will have a lasting impact."

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LGBTQ+ icons and advocates were among the first to honour the star. Paris Hilton wrote on X: "Heartbroken to hear about Queen @DollyParton's passing. She was a true icon and such an inspiration to me. Her talent, heart and kindness touched so many lives, and she truly left this world better than she found it."

Khloé Kardashian shared a tribute on her Instagram Stories: "Some people are extraordinary, their existence feels almost impossible. Dolly was one of those people." She added: "To have met her, spent time in her presence, and somehow been lucky enough that Dolly Parton knew my name… I will never have words big enough for what that means to me."

Singer Dionne Warwick, who worked with Parton for decades, remembered her friend in a post on X. She wrote: "I will certainly miss her laughter, jokes and her being. Rest well and in total peace my friend. My heart is heavy."

Actor Pedro Pascal wrote "One of one. We must make more," whilst Lily Tomlin, Parton's co-star in the 1980 film "9 to 5," shared a black and white picture of the two of them, stating simply "No words." Tomlin, an out lesbian and LGBTQ+ icon, remained close to Parton for decades.

Actor Colman Domingo wrote on X: "Dolly taught us that you can be anything and do anything and to do it with kindness. What a light. We are grateful that we lived in a time of Dolly Parton. We will always love her."

Music star Lil Nas X said: "The one and only! Fly high Miss Dolly" while Bravo star and reality TV mogul Andy Cohen penned: "We were all so lucky to live in her midst and get to experience her music, kindness, and joy."

Senator Bernie Sanders called Parton "not only a talented musician & songwriter, but a lifelong philanthropist and advocate for literacy, education, LGBTQ+ rights, healthcare and disaster relief."

Parton's campy aesthetic and consistent positivity resonated with LGBTQ+ fans around the world, with the Grammy winner having constantly advocated for equality and acceptance.

She was preceded in death by her husband Carl Dean, whose passing at age 82 was announced in March 2025. The singer-songwriter-actress's glittering country music stardom was matched by her pop fame and parallel careers in film and TV.