Beyonce hails Dolly Parton as 'north star' in poignant tribute after legend's death

Beyonce has hailed Dolly Parton as "the north star" and "truly one of one".

The 44-year-old star has paid tribute to the late country icon, who died on Tuesday (25.08.26) aged 80 after a short battle with cancer, after they collaborated on Bey's 2024 Cowboy Carter album.

She wrote 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.

Beyonce got the 9 to 5 hitmaker's permission to cover Jolene for her country record, while Dolly also sang on Dolly P, and Tyrant.

For Jolene, the Crazy In Love singer put her own spin on the lyrics, switching "I'm begging of you please don't take my man" to: "I'm warnin' you, don't come for my man."

Dolly once told E! News: "I think it was very bold of her. When they said she was gonna do Jolene, I expected it to be my regular one, but it wasn't.

"But I love what she did to it. And as a songwriter, you love the fact that people do your songs no matter how they do them."

Dolly's death was announced in a video from her nephew Bryan Seaver, in a post shared with fans on social media.

He said: "My name is Bryan Seaver, son of Cassie Parton, and I’m representing the Parton and Owens family today announcing the passing of my aunt, Dolly Rebecca Parton Dean, Sister, Sis and Granny to one generation and Gigi to the next.

“This video announcement is something Dolly asked of me years ago, before I fully absorbed it as a future reality.

“As her head of security for more than two decades, a role my father Larry held before me, I have imagined the heaviness of this moment but haven’t truly felt it until now.