Jane Fonda is remembering Dolly Parton as a friend who left an impact that will outlive her, following the country music legend’s death at 80.
Fonda shared an emotional Instagram tribute Tuesday, Aug. 25, calling herself “devastated” by Parton’s death and reflecting on the qualities that made her longtime friend so unforgettable.
“More than anyone I have ever known, Dolly will always be with us because she was so present, so powerful, so generous and playful that she is woven into all our lives and hearts forever,” Fonda wrote.
The actress pointed to the many pieces of Parton’s legacy that fans can continue to hold onto, including her music, Dollywood, the movie “9 to 5” and the books distributed through her Imagination Library.
Fonda, 88, also offered a vivid description of the woman she knew away from the spotlight. She remembered Parton as both a playful Southern woman from Tennessee and a deeply thoughtful person who could see through people and understand who they truly were.
“She was many things,” Fonda wrote, listing Parton’s talents and personality traits before landing on one especially memorable quality: prankster.
And Fonda had a story to prove it.
She recalled Parton once sticking her backside out of a car window and mooning Kenny Rogers’ home — a cheeky memory that gave the otherwise emotional tribute a distinctly Dolly-style twist.
Fonda also highlighted what she described as Parton’s “survivor’s instinct,” saying the singer seemed to know what to do and what to say to make things right.
But the tribute carried a particularly personal message for Parton’s LGBTQ+ supporters. Fonda specifically addressed her gay and transgender fans, saying she wanted them to know that Parton loved them.
Fonda also said Parton would not want her fans to remain consumed by grief. Instead, she encouraged them to dress up and celebrate her spirit.
The connection between Fonda and Parton stretches back to 1980, when the two starred alongside Lily Tomlin in “9 to 5.” The comedy followed three female coworkers who banded together against their sexist boss, becoming one of the most recognizable films of their careers.
The trio remained connected long after the film. Fonda, Parton and Tomlin later reunited on Netflix’s “Grace and Frankie,” where Parton appeared as an angel in the series finale — the very episode Fonda recommended fans watch following Parton’s death.
Fonda closed her tribute simply: “RIP, beautiful woman. We love you.”
For Fonda, the loss is deeply personal. But her message also captured the larger reach of Parton’s legacy: a body of music, entertainment, philanthropy and memories that continues to give fans plenty to celebrate.
