Reba McEntire will always love her best girl, Dolly Parton!
The American singer shared a touching tribute in remembrance for the Grammy winner who passed away today, August 25, describing her as a rare gem whose music changed the world.
Reba McEntire and Dolly Parton’s friendship dates back four decades, beginning in the late 1970s when she performed alongside the late singer at the Grand Ole Opry in 1977.
The singer took to her X handle to react to the news that her friend Parton has passed on to the “higher and greater side.” She thanked Parton for giving the world so much thanks to her generosity and musical talent, stressing that there will never be another like the great singer.
“We will remember and cherish every memory and every note you ever played and sang. Thank you, Lord, for Parton. She’s gonna have a blast in heaven singing all her favorite songs with all her family and friends who have gone on before her,” the tribute read.
She concluded the tribute stressing that she will never forget the first time she met Parton and their final conversation. McEntire assured Parton that she holds the words with love in her heart, declaring her endless adoration for the singer.
Commenters trooped to McEntire’s post to relive their favorite memories of Parton while praising the notable bond the duo shared. “Two queens of country music. The friendship between you two always showed that there was room at the top for everyone. That generosity of spirit was so Dolly,” this fan stated.
The Country Singer Got Candid About Her Health Struggles Shortly Before Passing
A few days ago, Parton got candid about the health challenges she has faced since losing her long-time husband, Carl Dean, in March 2025. In the update shared on August 21, Parton admitted to PEOPLE that caring for her late husband made her pay less attention to her pressing health issues.
Parton continued in the interview that her health issues have been around for some time and she has been forced to slow down in the past. She referred to a period in the early 1980s when she was off the stage for several months because she was struggling with her weight and other “female issues.”
The singer acknowledged that speculation surrounding her condition has intensified because of today’s nonstop social-media environment. Parton joked that after once being known as the queen of the tabloids, she could now call herself the queen of social media AI because of how quickly stories about her spread online.
Despite still being in recovery, Parton made it clear she has no plans to walk away from her work due to numerous projects and goals she wants to bring to life and intends to continue working for as long as she is able. Parton’s resolve followed what has been almost six decades of one of the most iconic figures in country music.
Reba McEntire Sent Her Love To Dolly Parton While Crushing Outrageous AI Speculation
Last year, The Blast stated that McEntire did not keep quiet in the face of the AI attacks on Parton and herself, with one falsely depicting her as pregnant and Parton as gravely ill.
The singer hopped on her social media page to address the issue using humor as a means to pass her message, affirming that she was too old to get pregnant and that Parton was not ill.
She seized the moment to extend her best wishes to Parton, reassuring her of her prayers and best wishes, seemingly reinforcing a claim from Parton earlier that she was not ill or dying.
The songwriter stressed that there were indeed concerns surrounding her condition but said the viral images had made the situation appear far more serious than it actually was.
Parton explained that after Dean’s death, her doctors had warned her to rest and focus on her treatment, which meant canceling or postponing several commitments, including shows and appearances.
The ‘Tremors’ Actress Gushed About The ‘Coat Of Many Colors’ Singer On Her 80th Birthday
One thing about McEntire and Parton’s friendship is that they loved each other out loud, whether on birthdays, anniversaries, or just defending each other on social media. The actress proved they are the ultimate friendship goals in January when she took to Instagram to wish her bestie a happy birthday as she clocked 80.
McEntire took her entire Instagram following down memory lane by sharing several images of herself and Parton from over the years with big, bold smiles on their faces.
The singer declared her undying love for Parton, her pal of 40+ years, stating: “Happy 80th Birthday to the one and only, @DollyParton! I love you to pieces, and I’m so thankful for all these years of memories we’ve shared. Can’t wait to make many more together!”
Always the one to do the most, Parton proved that she was not slowing down or out of trend by posing for a colorful birthday photoshoot with an equally colorful birthday cake.
While she did not have many words to say about her new milestone, her fans and celebrity friends did rush to her comment section with touching words and compliments for the country queen on her big day.
Reba McEntire Revealed How Dolly Parton Stepped In During A Dark Period In Her Career
When McEntire’s boat was rocked with a huge personal loss decades ago, Parton was there, at the forefront, to offer her all the support she required to stand on her feet again. Speaking to Garden & Gun, the singer shared that she really considered quitting music when she lost eight members of her touring team in a 1991 plane crash.
The crash killed musicians Chris Austin, Kirk Cappello, Joey Cigainero, Paula Kaye Evans, Jim Hammon, Terry Jackson, Tony Saputo and Michael Thomas. McEntire, her then-husband Narvel Blackstock and her stylist had planned to leave San Diego on a different flight the following day.
Following the incident, her fellow country stars had offered her support, but Parton took it a step further by offering McEntire the use of her touring band as she tried to rebuild her stage show.
McEntire went ahead and dedicated an album to the memory of her deceased band members, and the success of the project marked a turning point in her resolve to return to the stage.
McEntire has never forgotten about her dear friends and bandmates since that unfortunate incident. In March 2024, she marked the 33rd anniversary of the crash with a social media tribute naming all eight members of her team.
The world will never forget about Dolly Parton and Reba McEntire’s immaculate friendship!