Country music legend Dolly Parton died on August 25 at 80.
Longtime friend and fellow country music singer Reba McEntire posted a tribute on Instagram to Dolly.
The two met in 1977, and Dolly once appeared on Reba’s former TV sitcom Reba in 2005.
Reba McEntire paid tribute to the Queen of Country Music.
Fans learned on August 25 that Dolly Parton died at the age of 80. Famous for her hit songs like “I Will Always Love You,” “Jolene,” and “9 to 5,” she also did the occasional acting gig and appeared on a season 4 episode of Reba, titled “Reba’s Rules of Real Estate,” that aired in April 2005.
The day Dolly’s death was announced, Reba posted a touching tribute on Instagram.
“Well, I just got the news that my buddy Dolly passed onto the higher and greater side,” she wrote alongside photos of the two over the years. “Dolly, thank you for all the wonderful things you did for us here on earth. Your love, your music, and you gave so much with your huge, huge heart. There will never ever be another you. We will remember and cherish every memory and every note you ever played and sang.”
“Thank you, Lord, for Dolly,” she added. “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.”
As soon as Reba posted, her Reba and Happy’s Place co-star Melissa Peterman commented with her support.
“I will never forget the week she spent with us doing the TV show,” she replied. “She was everything you wanted her to be and more. She could do everything. I loved her music, her movies, her sense of humor, her outlook on life. I loved her. Beautiful tribute @reba for your beautiful friend @dollyparton 💔.”
Fans were equally heartbroken about the news.
“I’m very sad to hear about @dollyparton passing 🫶🏼🕊️ R.I.P to an absolute icon,” one person wrote. “💔💔💔💔 an absolute legendary queen of country, beautiful and such kindness,” another penned. “Her legacy will live on. Rest in Peace Dolly. ❤️,” a different follower added.
In March 2025, Reba reflected on how her friendship with Dolly began. She revealed that the duo crossed paths on the night of Reba’s Grand Ole Opry debut, although they didn’t actually meet that night.
"I walked in and they said, 'We're going to cut you back to one song, because Dolly just rolled into the parking lot and we're gonna give her one of your songs,'" she recalled in a clip posted on WSM Radio's Instagram. "I said, 'OK. Can I meet her?' I didn't get to meet her, but she did walk right in front of me."
Dolly later posted a video of her and Reba singing "Does He Love You" on TikTok in October 2024.
"Nothing like singing with my dear friend @Reba McEntire ❤️," she captioned it.
We love their friendship.
