"Even for a teenager who mainly listened to rap, she was an icon" – how stars and presidents remember Dolly Parton

Dolly Parton, the iconic country singer-songwriter celebrated for her distinctive soprano voice and ability to unite people across the political spectrum, is being remembered by stars and presidents following her reported death at the age of 80.

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There was never anyone like her, and there will never be anyone like her again.

Her universal appeal transcended political affiliations, with Republicans, Democrats, pop stars, and rappers all sharing tributes. Former U.S. President Donald Trump declared her passing a "great loss for millions," stating on Truth Social, "There was never anyone like her, and there will never be anyone like her again." The U.S. flag was ordered to fly at half-mast nationwide in response to her death.

Former President Barack Obama recalled Parton's humble beginnings, noting that she "Born in a one-room cabin, she won eleven Grammys and an Emmy." He also highlighted her significant contribution to medical research through a 2020 donation to Vanderbilt University in Nashville, which aided in the development of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.

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Born in a one-room cabin, she won eleven Grammys and an Emmy.

Former President Bill Clinton described Parton as a unique personality who "told the stories of 'everyday Americans' with honesty, humility, and heart." He shared that he and Hillary Clinton were "huge fans" since first seeing her in 1974 and expressed gratitude for her music and the memories it created.

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told the stories of 'everyday Americans' with honesty, humility, and heart.

Parton herself largely stayed out of politics, twice declining the Presidential Medal of Freedom during Trump's first term and later stating she would not accept the award from the Biden administration to avoid appearing political. However, she remained deeply intertwined with the music world. Artists like Beyoncé, who reinterpreted Parton's classic "Jolene" for her 2024 album "Cowboy Carter," paid homage on her website, expressing gratitude for Parton's art, heart, generosity, humor, and entrepreneurial spirit.

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Hillary and I were huge fans.