Dolly Parton is dead at 80. In the days following her passing, tributes have come from across the music world, including one of the more personal accounts shared publicly so far.
Stevie Nicks posted a handwritten letter and a photo of herself and Parton on social media, recalling a week they spent together in Nashville recording for Parton's 2023 album, Rockstar. The two recorded a duet called "What Has Rock and Roll Ever Done For You," a track originally written for Fleetwood Mac that appears as the ninth song on the record.
According to Rolling Stone, Nicks described the experience as the "Best week ever," writing that the time together was "like a master class for me." She wrote that she "tried to be a sponge" and "learn everything I could learn from her," and that learning came easily because Parton "was a really good teacher." Nicks added, "I think she saw me as a really good student; I just tried to listen."
Nicks also captured something of Parton's spirit during those recording sessions. She wrote that Parton "said she could become a rock star ~ and I watched her do it," and that when Nicks was there, Parton "was not even close to being finished gathering more rock & roll songs that she wanted to sing."
Nicks closed her tribute with a poem directed at Parton:
"So, 🤍 Dolly, Dolly, Dolly ~ Rock and Roll & Country ~ Carry all those songs with you ~ Right up to heaven ~ Sing your songs to all those you meet This will be their blessing Dolly, how we'll miss you There'll never be another you ~ And I will always love you Love Love Love, Stevie"
Parton's death has drawn responses from across generations and industries. Tributes have been shared by Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, Paul McCartney, all living U.S. presidents, Jelly Roll, Brandi Carlile, Eminem, Jack White, and Parton's goddaughter Miley Cyrus, among many others. Parton was known not only for her music but for her film work, philanthropy, and extensive business ventures.
