Paul McCartney Reacts to “Magnificent Star” Dolly Parton’s Death: “It Is Hard to Imagine Living in a World Without Dolly”

Paul McCartney is among the many in the music world paying tribute Tuesday after fellow icon Dolly Parton died at age 80, remembering the singer-songwriter for her legacy as a country trailblazer and the impact she leaves behind.

“The magnificent star Dolly Parton has died and it is so sad. She was such a wonderful woman,” McCartney wrote on Instagram. “I first met her in Nashville at the Grand Ole Opry where she had been playing with the country star Porter Wagoner and was about to start her solo career. She was so bubbly and full of life it is difficult to take in the news that she has passed. Her songwriting, her singing and her philanthropy were unrivaled in the world of country music and it is hard to imagine living in a world without Dolly.”

McCartney further called Parton “a very clever business woman who understood the value of her music and, most importantly, the effect that she had on the people of the world.”

As McCartney notes, the two have their share of history, as Parton elected to record the Beatles’ classic “Let It Be” on her 2024 album Rockstar, enlisting both Macca and Ringo Starr for some help on the track.

“There was no greater honour for me than to have her sing my song Let It Be and, even though I only made a small contribution to it, I am so honoured that she did it,” McCartney said of the experience. “I am so proud to have known her and admire her unique talents.”

Parton’s family confirmed her death online on Tuesday, with her nephew Bryan Seaver breaking the news. “This video announcement is something Dolly asked of me years ago, before I fully absorbed it as a future reality,” he said.

McCartney is one of many paying homage to Parton on Tuesday, with others, including Kacey Musgraves, Jane Fonda and Billy Ray Cyrus, sharing tributes as well.

“Thanks Dolly for the beautiful music you gave me and the whole world,” McCartney wrote, concluding his post. “We will always love you, god bless and rest in peace. You were the best.”