Elton John, Oprah Winfrey and Paul McCartney join tributes to Dolly Parton

What the report says

Sir Paul McCartney, Oprah Winfrey and Sir Elton John were among the many public figures paying tribute to Dolly Parton after news of her death at age 80. According to the source article, Parton’s team said she died on Tuesday after a brief battle with cancer. The outpouring of messages also included Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, Reba McEntire, Miley Cyrus, Cyndi Lauper and others, reflecting her reach across country music, pop and other genres.

McCartney described Parton as a “magnificent star” and said her songwriting, singing and philanthropy were unmatched in country music. John said he was shocked and devastated, calling her a “giant of an artist” and “irreplaceable.” Winfrey recalled Parton’s warmth and generosity, while Swift praised her grace, grit and the books she supported for children. Beyoncé said Parton was a guiding “north star,” and other artists remembered her kindness, humor and influence on their own careers.

The tributes also highlighted Parton’s wider legacy beyond music, including her charitable work and support for children’s literacy and women’s health. The article said even US political leaders from both parties acknowledged her impact, and President Donald Trump ordered American flags lowered in her memory. The scale of the response underscored Parton’s rare status as a cultural figure admired across generations, genres and political lines.