Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, Sir Elton John, Sir Paul McCartney and a host of global stars have paid tribute to Dolly Parton following the death of the country music icon at the age of 80.

Swift said a world without Parton did not feel “possible, real, or right”, describing her as a rare combination of “true grace and true grit”.

“Her legacy will be an everlasting one because of the countless lives she touched and changed,” Swift said.

Beyoncé, who recorded Parton’s classic “Jolene” for her 2024 album Cowboy Carter, thanked the singer for her “art, heart, generosity, humour and entrepreneurship”, describing her as “truly one of one”.

McCartney remembered Parton as a “magnificent star”, praising her songwriting, singing and philanthropy, while Elton John called her “a giant of an artist, unique and irreplaceable, with the kindest heart”.

Longtime friend and fellow country star Billy Ray Cyrus recalled a lighter moment from 1992, when he apologised to Parton over tabloid rumours alleging the two were having an affair.

Cyrus said Parton winked and replied: “Honey, this trash sells records!”

In an Instagram tribute, Cyrus said Parton had recently sent him a message telling him she loved him “with her whole heart”.

“I will always love her in the same way, with my whole heart, and I always will,” he wrote.

Rapper Eminem also remembered Parton, despite never having met her in person. He shared a note she had sent him after his induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

“I’m sorry we never got a chance to meet, but getting this note from Dolly really had an impact on me,” Eminem wrote. “Even for a kid who mostly listened to rap music, she was an icon. A superstar in every sense.”

Actress Julia Roberts described Parton as “a magical and joyous human”, while Cher praised her optimistic spirit.

Katy Perry celebrated Parton for challenging stereotypes throughout her career, saying she proved that “big boobs, big brains, and a big voice can all exist in one tiny body”.

Sabrina Carpenter remembered Parton as an angel who walked the earth, while Celine Dion, Jane Fonda and Oprah Winfrey were among other stars who shared tributes.

Parton’s death also prompted tributes from political leaders in the United States.

President Donald Trump ordered the national flag to be flown at half-staff for one week in her honour, saying “there has never been anyone like her, and never will”.

Former President Bill Clinton described Parton as “one of a kind”, praising her ability to tell the stories of ordinary Americans with “honesty, humility, and heart”.

Former President Barack Obama said it was difficult to imagine many people having “a bigger impact than Dolly”.

Tennessee Senator Bill Hagerty called her “a true Tennessee treasure”, while Senator Marsha Blackburn said her death had left “a void that no one can ever fill”.

Senator Bernie Sanders praised Parton’s work in literacy, education, healthcare and disaster relief. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani described her as “an irreplaceable champion of the working class”, while Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear highlighted her Imagination Library programme.

Parton died on Tuesday, August 25, at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Centre in Nashville, Tennessee, after what her representatives described as a brief battle with cancer.

Her nephew Bryan Seaver, who served as her head of security, confirmed her death in a video statement shared on social media.

“It is an honour, an honour that is mixed with absolute pride and great sadness, but sadness lies with us, not with Dolly,” Seaver said. “Dolly has lived in the light and is in the arms of Jesus.”

Her death came about 18 months after the passing of her husband of 60 years, Carl Dean.

Parton leaves behind a six-decade career that produced hits including “Jolene”, “9 to 5” and “I Will Always Love You”, as well as an extensive humanitarian legacy.

In 1995, she founded the Imagination Library in honour of her father, who never learned to read. The programme has since distributed millions of free books to children, alongside her wider philanthropic work in education, disaster relief and medical research.