Dolly Parton remembered as beloved country music icon

Dolly Parton is being remembered as a country music icon following her death at 80.

Beyonce, who worked with Parton on her 2024 album Cowboy Carter, paid tribute in a statement on her website.

"Dolly, you were the barometer. The north star. Bold and brilliant. Talented and tenacious. You taught so many lessons on how to be uniquely oneself. I am grateful for your art, your heart, your generosity, your humor, your entrepreneurship.

"I'm honored that I had the privilege to work with you. I will treasure that forever. Thank you for your profound impact on the world. You are an angel who has made this world a happier place because of your joyful art. You are truly one of one. Rest peacefully."

Former US president Barack Obama said it was "hard to imagine many people having a bigger impact than Dolly Parton".

"Born in a one-room cabin, she earned 11 Grammys and an Emmy, built a business empire, helped millions of kids learn to read, and - as if that wasn't enough - helped accelerate the research that led to the Moderna COVID vaccine, he wrote on X.

President Donald Trump said he would honour the singer by lowering the US flag throughout the nation for a week.

"In addition to her musical talents, she was an exemplary human being," she wrote.

Country singer Billy Ray Cyrus said Parton recently messaged him to say that she "loved me with her whole heart" adding he will "always" love her in the same way.

Parton was also the godmother to his daughter, singer Miley Cyrus and appeared alongside the father-daughter duo on their Disney show Hannah Montana.

"I'll never forget walking into her dressing room to apologise for all the tabloid stories which claimed I was having an affair with her. In true Dolly fashion, she just looked at me, winked and said, 'Honey, this trash sells records!'"

Country singer Reba McEntire made a personal tribute to her "buddy Dolly".

"Your love, your music and you gave so much with your huge, huge heart. There will never ever be another you," she wrote on Instagram.

Dionne Warwick - who collaborated with Parton on the 2023 song Peace Like A River - said "I will certainly miss her laughter, jokes and her being. Rest well and in total peace my friend. My heart is heavy".