The world is mourning the loss of Dolly Parton, whose death was announced on August 25 by her family.
Her nephew Bryan Seaver shared the news that the legendary musician, actress and philanthropist had passed away at the age of 80.
Among the many to pay tribute to the star were her 9 to 5 co-stars Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin. While Lily simply shared some photos of herself with Dolly with the succinct “No words…,” Jane went further with a lengthy and passionate tribute to the star.
“I am devastated,” she began alongside a photo of herself and Dolly laughing on the set of their Oscar-nominated film. “I just learned that Dolly has moved on.”
“I know that millions are mourning and I want to say this – more than anyone I have ever known, 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,” she gushed.
“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,” Jane continued. “And they are all blessings. Let’s be grateful for all that she has left us to ease our sadness now.”
Writing more about the “I Will Always Love You” singer’s spirit and fight, contrasted by her playful and cheeky side, the two-time Oscar winner continued: “I never knew anyone like her.”
© Getty Images“She was simultaneously a naughty, playful southern gal from the hollows of Tennessee and a deep, soulful thinker who could see through people right down to their true selves. She was many things…lyricist, songstress, player of many instruments, writer, prankster, visionary, loyal friend, who’d never go to bed before she and her friends had laughed so hard they’d have to cross their legs.”
Jane added: “She had a survivor’s instinct and seemed to always know just what to do, just what to say, to make things right…and then [she’d] stick her butt out the car window and moon Kenny Roger’s home. She was the voluptuous embodiment of empathy. That’s something of hers she’d want us all to take with us.”
© Getty ImagesJane then added a message to her many fans in the LGBTQ+ community. Both Dolly and Jane are fierce allies of the queer community and have passionately advocated for their rights and freedom for decades, especially amid the current, more trying political environment.
“To her gay and trans fans, I want you to know that she loved you,” the Klute star gushed. “You know that without me telling you. She loved all her fans and they are legion. And you know she doesn’t want y’all to mourn now. Dress up and celebrate her spirit.”
© Getty ImagesShe concluded with a final call to action: “But first, watch the final episode of Grace and Frankie where she’s an Angel, the head honcho working class angel in Heaven. RIP, beautiful woman. We love you.”
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