Beyoncé is mourning Dolly Parton with a deeply personal tribute, calling the late country music legend “the North Star” while reflecting on the impact she had on generations of artists.
The “Cowboy Carter” singer shared her message Tuesday, Aug. 25, hours after Parton’s family announced that the beloved entertainer had died at 80 following a brief battle with cancer.
“Dolly, you were the barometer. The North Star. Bold and brilliant. Talented and tenacious,” Beyoncé wrote in a statement shared on her official website.
She went on to credit Parton with teaching people how to embrace their individuality. “You taught so many lessons on how to be uniquely oneself,” Beyoncé wrote.
The tribute also highlighted the qualities Beyoncé admired beyond Parton’s music, including her generosity, humor and entrepreneurial spirit. Beyoncé thanked the country icon for making the world happier through her art and described her as “truly one of one.”
Their connection was especially meaningful because the two superstars had worked together on Beyoncé’s 2024 album Cowboy Carter.
Parton appeared on the project and introduced Beyoncé’s reimagined version of her classic 1973 hit “Jolene.” The collaboration gave the country legend’s signature song a fresh interpretation while connecting two major artists from different generations.
Beyoncé also remembered the opportunity to work with Parton as something she would treasure forever.
“I’m honored that I had the privilege to work with you. I will treasure that forever,” she wrote, before thanking Parton for her “profound impact on the world.”
The feeling was mutual.
In a 2025 interview with PEOPLE, Parton praised Beyoncé’s version of “Jolene,” particularly the way the superstar changed the song’s perspective. Beyoncé transformed Parton’s original plea into a much firmer warning to the woman threatening her relationship.
“I was just honored that she, of course, did a completely different take on ‘Jolene’ than my version of it,” Parton said at the time, explaining that she loved Beyoncé’s interpretation.
Parton also called Cowboy Carter a “really, really good album” and said she was proud to hear another artist put her own spin on one of her songs.
That collaboration now carries another layer of meaning.
Beyoncé closed her tribute by describing Parton as an angel whose joyful art made the world a happier place.
“Thank you for your profound impact on the world,” she wrote. “Rest peacefully.”
Parton’s death has prompted tributes from numerous stars, but Beyoncé’s message stands out as a reflection from an artist who had the rare opportunity to collaborate with the country legend—and to hear directly from her how much that musical connection meant.
