Kentuckians mourn death of Dolly Parton, 'a force for good in our world, now gone'

LEXINGTON, Ky. -- Kentuckians from all walks of life publicly mourned Dolly Parton’s death Tuesday, sharing photos, memories and tributes on social media that honored her as a philanthropist, musician, actress and spreader of sunshine.

Kentucky author Silas House shared a link where people can donate to Parton’s Imagination Library, which provides free books to young children.

“What a force for good in our world, now gone,” he wrote. “An Appalachian girl who grew up to conquer the world, always leaving positivity and joy in her wake. It was one of the greatest honors of my life for her to have read my books and to have met her. The letters I received from her are among my greatest treasures. A truly heartbreaking day and the world is now smaller and darker.”

Gov. Andy Beshear, who ordered flags lowered to half-staff at state office buildings in Parton’s honor, remembered her as “an American icon who brought people together and spread joy.”

“In Kentucky, she shared her love of reading through her Imagination Library, sparking brighter futures for thousands of children across our commonwealth,” he said in a statement. “There aren’t enough words to sum up the impact and legacy Dolly leaves behind, but it is clear that it will continue for generations to come. Britainy and I are praying for Dolly’s family and all those hurting from this enormous loss.”

Beshear shared a video clip from Parton’s 2024 visit to Lexington, during which someone asked about her legacy.

“I just hope people will just say, ‘She was a good ol’ girl. You know, she tried hard, she worked hard and she tried to make the world a better place and tried to make people happy.’ And I will be doing that ‘til I keel over.”

Beshear wrote: “Dolly, you didn’t just try to make the world a better place — you did. We’ll always love you.”

Louisville’s Big Four Bridge was lit in a rainbow of colors in memory of Parton Tuesday night, a reference to her children’s book “I Am a Rainbow,” WLKY reported.

Parton’s passing prompted former Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin to post on his account on the social media platform X for the first time in more than a year.

“America has lost one of our finest citizens, @DollyParton,” Bevin wrote. “Small is stature, but a giant talent, intellect & personality… A tremendously successful and generous person who never forgot her humble roots or her fans… Well done, good and faithful servant!”

Actor and musician Billy Ray Cyrus, a former Kentuckian whose daughter Miley Cyrus is Parton’s godchild, shared a memory that was pure Dolly.

“In 1992, I’ll never forget walking into her dressing room to apologize for all the tabloid stories which claimed I was having an affair with her,” he wrote. “In true Dolly fashion, she just looked at me, winked and said, ‘Honey, this trash sells records!’”

Cyrus said he “grew up loving Dolly Parton. She was a part of our lives, on our TV’s, right in our living rooms.”

“Dolly recently sent me a beautiful message, telling me she loved me with her whole heart,” he wrote. “I will always love her in the same way ….. with my whole heart … and I always will.”

Kentucky native and award-winning Bluegrass musician Ricky Skaggs said he got to know Parton when they did some work in the studio together.

“I got to know her love for music, her love for the poor, and her love for Jesus!” Skaggs wrote in a social media post. “Dolly was born to shine her light in the darkness, and today she woke up in that magnificent light that she was given to shine in this world.”

The family of Loretta Lynn shared a post on Lynn’s Facebook page, saying they were “devastated.”

“She was mom’s friend. She was her ‘mountain sister’. They understood each other,” the post stated. “Our hearts go out to all of Dolly’s family and team. We take comfort in knowing the Honky Tonk Angels are together again and that one day, we will hear them live again.”

Father Jim Sichko, a papal missionary of mercy who lives in Central Kentucky, said he welcomed Parton to his church several times.

“She generously used her presence and influence to help raise money to support my ministry and its work of mercy,” he wrote. “Those are memories I will always treasure—not because of her celebrity, but because of the kindness behind them.

“Dolly never forgot where she came from, and she never seemed to forget the people who needed a helping hand. Her faith, generosity, humor, and unmistakable spirit touched millions.”

Parton performed on the rodeo stage at the Kentucky State Fair in 1978, a post on the fair’s Facebook page said.

“Her beloved husband Carl loved to come to the fair just to walk through the barns, look at the tractors, and watch the livestock. He loved the fair the way so many of us do,” the post stated. “Dolly gave the world her voice, her heart, and her generosity for 80 beautiful years. She made us laugh, made us cry, and made us believe that a girl from a one-room cabin could change the world.”

KET said it will celebrate Parton’s legacy by reshowing a program that “presents a moving musical journey through archival footage of the undisputed queen of country music and interviews with Jane Fonda, Mac Davis and Lily Tomlin.” “Dolly Parton: Here I Am” will air at 8 p.m. Thursday.

The Kentucky State Police said in a social media post that “true legends are built on heart, kindness, and a commitment to making the world better.

“Thank you, Dolly, for the music, the generosity, and the inspiration you shared with Kentucky and beyond. You’ll always be a shining light.”