People around the world paid their respects to country music legend Dolly Parton after her family announced her death at the age of 80 on Tuesday.
Parton’s nephew, Bryan Seaver, shared the heartbreaking news in a video on his aunt’s Instagram page.
“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 til now.”
“It is an honor that is mixed with absolute pride and great sadness. But sadness lies with us, not with Dolly,” he shared.
Celebrities expressed their shock and sadness at the news, and shared memories of their time with the late singer.
“We will always love you, Dolly,” dancer Julianne Hough wrote on the Instagram post announcing Parton’s death, while singer Jack White simply wrote “Instant Sainthood.”
“Dolly. 💔 This really really hurts,” singer Kacey Musgraves shared on X. “The world feels a lot less sparkly all of a sudden.”
“So glad she’s with her Carl Dean,” Musgraves said of Parton’s late husband, before adding: “No one talk to me today.”
Country singer Reba McEntire posted a photo of herself with her “buddy Dolly,” after she got the news that Parton “passed onto the higher and greater side.”
“There will never ever be another you,” McEntire wrote. “We will remember and cherish every memory and every note you ever played and sang. Thank you, Lord, for Dolly. She’s gonna have a blast in heaven singing all her favorite songs with all her family and friends who have gone on before her. I’ll never forget the first time I met you and I’ll never forget our last conversation. I hold it with love in my heart. I will always love you, Reba.”
Julia Roberts, who starred in “Steel Magnolias” alongside Parton, told Page Six that “Dolly was a magical and joyous human. I hold knowing her as a treasure in my life. The sun has dimmed today.”
Donald Trump also shared a tribute to the singer, and announced that he would be lowering the American flag in her honor.
“Very sad to report that Dolly Parton, one of the greatest Country singers, and far beyond, EVER, has just passed away,” the president shared in a Truth Social post. “This is a true loss for millions of people. There has never been anyone like her, and never will. In her honor, I am lowering the American flag throughout the United States for a one week period beginning tonight at 6:00PM. Rest in Peace, Dolly! The World loves you.”