No corner of the world has not been touched following the death of legendary singer, songwriter and philanthropist Dolly Parton.
Acclaimed South African Isicathamiya group, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, has joined a global chorus of remembrance following the passing of Parton, whose remarkable career touched lives across cultures and generations.
The group offered a simple but poignant tribute: “Rest in Peace, Dolly Parton.”
Behind those few words lies a profound appreciation for an artist whose influence extended far beyond the boundaries of American country music.
Parton died on Tuesday at the age of 80, bringing to an end one of the most remarkable lives in modern entertainment.
Her nephew Bryan Seaver, son of Cassie Parton, announced the news in a video on social media, speaking on behalf of the family. According to a video on her Instagram account, per her requests, a small and private service will be held with immediate family.
Born Dolly Rebecca Parton on January 19, 1946, in Locust Ridge, Tennessee, she was raised in poverty in a one-room cabin as the fourth of 12 children and started singing in church at age six and performed on local television as a teenager.
Parton often told stories about her humble beginnings.
Her life long partner and husband Carl Dean, an asphalt paver, died last year aged 82. They married in1966, but Dean was not one for the spotlight. The two never had children and were together for almost 60 years.
Parton was more than an iconic performer. Through her storytelling, warmth and generosity, she became a cultural ambassador whose music found audiences around the world.
Her lifelong commitment to philanthropy further cemented her reputation as an artist who believed in using her success to make a difference.
Across a career spanning seven decades, Parton became a Grammy-winning singer, songwriter, actress, businesswoman and philanthropist. She sold more than 100 million records and wrote over 3,000 songs.
In addition to her work as a singer-songwriter, Parton also starred in movies like ‘9 to 5’ and ‘Steel Magnolias’.
Last week People Magazine published an interview with Parton where she shared an update on her health.
“As I’ve shared in video messages throughout the past year, I am dealing with some health issues that I just didn’t pay attention to when I was watching over Carl. You know, this isn’t the first time I’ve had to manage something like this.
“Back in the early ’80s, I was down for several months with female issues, and I was struggling with my weight at the time too, so it’s not like I haven’t been through hard times with my health,” Parton told PEOPLE.
She added: “But I think because we live in a 24/7 world with social media, everything gets magnified in ways it wasn’t years ago. I used to joke that I was the Queen of the Tabloids, but now I guess I can say I’m the Queen of Social Media AI! Seriously, though, even though I’m still healin’, I’m still workin’! You know me — as I’ve often said — I’ve dreamed myself into a corner and I still have so many things I want to achieve, so I’m gonna keep on working as long as I can to see everything come to life.”
American singer and rapper, Kesha, paid an emotional tribute during her Pittsburgh, PA show on Tuesday night. “We literally lost an angel. But through her art and through her kindness and through her love, she will live forever."
Beyonce, who collaborated with Parton for her Grammy-winning album "Cowboy Carter," also paid tribute to the star.
"Bold and brilliant. Talented and tenacious. You taught so many lessons on how to be uniquely oneself. I am grateful for your art, your heart, your generosity, your humour, your entrepreneurship. I'm honoured that I had the privilege to work with you. I will treasure that forever", Beyonce said on her website.
In her Instagram post actress Actress Jane Fonda, who performed opposite Parton in "9 to 5", wrote: "Dolly will always be with us because she was so present, so powerful, so generous and playful that she is woven into all our lives and hearts forever. We have our memories of her, her songs, Dollywood, '9 to 5', the millions of books she got into the hands of children, all the iconic images that bring her to us.
"She was the voluptuous embodiment of empathy. That’s something of hers she’d want us all to take with us."
For Ladysmith Black Mambazo, the connection was also deeply personal. Their musical relationship with Parton stretched back decades, beginning with their collaboration on the 1995 rendition of “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door”.
This remarkable partnership brought together two unique musical worlds, blending her heartfelt country music with the group's unmistakable South African harmonies to create a timeless piece that continues to inspire.
A year later, the collaboration continued when Ladysmith Black Mambazo appeared on Parton’s album "Treasures", joining her on a rendition of Cat Stevens’ “Peace Train”.
In November 1996, the artists also performed the song together during a U.S. network television special, bringing their shared message of peace and unity to an international audience.
Xolani Majozi, Ladysmith Black Mambazo's communications manager said Parton was more than just an iconic singer and songwriter.
"She was a cultural ambassador and philanthropist who touched countless lives worldwide. Her songs, filled with warmth, storytelling, and honesty, reached diverse audiences and connected with people of varying backgrounds.
"It’s no coincidence that Ladysmith Black Mambazo, who embody unity and peace through their vocal artistry, found common ground and mutual respect in her work," said Majozi.
He said the passing of Parton undeniably marks the end of an era.
"Her legacy is immortal, living on through her unforgettable songs and her extensive humanitarian initiatives that have bettered lives globally. As we remember Dolly, let us honour her extraordinary contributions to music and society and continue to cherish the joy and inspiration she brought to millions of people around the world," said Majozi.
Ladysmith Black Mambazo has long used music to celebrate harmony, hope and human connection, while Parton built a career around songs that told stories of love, hardship, resilience and compassion.
Her passing marks the end of an extraordinary chapter in music history. Yet her voice, and the values reflected in her work, will continue to resonate through the songs she gave the world and the lives she touched through her humanitarian efforts.
For Ladysmith Black Mambazo, remembering Parton is not simply about mourning a musical legend. It is about celebrating a shared history and an artist whose message crossed borders with remarkable ease.
Popstar Sabrina Carpenter wrote on Instagram: "The only thing I could say after we first met was 'she really is an angel walking the earth' and 'we look like we could be sisters!'
"I will cherish our laughter and conversations and I will keep your wisdom, your playful outlook on life, and perfect sense of humour in my pocket for the rainy days. Your light will be something the world will search forever to find again."
Singer Kylie Minogue wrote: "Forever an inspiration in so many ways. How lucky I was to meet you. I will always love you Dolly."
Actress and singer Kate Hudson wrote on Instagram: "Well, our hearts just shattered hearing this news. Dolly was a light in this world. What an extraordinary life she lived, and what a gift she gave to all of us. To me, she represented the very best of what it means to be an artist.
"She understood that art is not only about expressing yourself. It is about reaching outward, bringing people together and making them feel less alone. She took everything life gave her and turned it into music, laughter, kindness and love.
"As an artist, she reminded me why we do this in the first place. Not simply to create, but to connect. To give something of ourselves. To fill people’s hearts and, if we are lucky, leave the world with a little more joy and love than we found it. What a life. What a spirit. What a legacy. Thank you, Dolly, for showing us just how powerful joy can be."
US President Donald Trump announced the lowering of flags across the United States for a week, calling Parton's death a "true loss for millions of people."
"Very sad to report that Dolly Parton, one of the greatest Country singers, and far beyond, EVER, has just passed away," Trump posted on his Truth Social network. "There has never been anyone like her, and never will."
taschica.pillay@nationalmg.co.za