The singer, who was 80, was long heralded as one of the few celebrities that everybody loved.
“Instant sainthood,” rocker Jack White, who covered one of Parton’s most famous hits “Jolene”, said on Instagram.
Fellow country star Reba McEntire hailed Parton for “all the wonderful things you did for us here on earth. Your love, your music and you gave so much with your huge huge heart. There will never ever be another you”.
President Donald Trump announced the lowering of flags across the United States for a week, calling Parton’s death a “true loss for millions of people”.
“Very sad to report that Dolly Parton, one of the greatest Country singers, and far beyond, EVER, has just passed away,” Trump posted on his Truth Social network. “There has never been anyone like her, and never will.”
His Republican predecessor, George W Bush, said Americans would mourn her loss.
“We loved her music and her style. She was a great entertainer and even greater person. We respected her work to promote literacy, advance health, and strengthen communities. Dolly was a talented and hard-working American who will be missed,” he wrote.
Democratic former president Bill Clinton praised her as “one of a kind”.
“A great songwriter and performer who told the stories of everyday Americans with honesty, humility, and heart.”
New York’s mayor, Zohran Mamdani, said Parton’s passing was “truly heartbreaking”.
“Dolly Parton was an extraordinary person and an irreplaceable champion of the working class. We are a better country because of her.”
In the entertainment world, Parton’s “Steel Magnolias” co-star Julia Roberts said: “Dolly was a magical and joyous human. I hold knowing her as a treasure in my life. The sun has dimmed today.”
Actress Jane Fonda, who performed opposite Parton in “9 to 5” said she was “devastated” by the loss.
“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 on Instagram.
Actor, singer and “Family Guy” creator Seth MacFarlane, who worked with her on “The Orville”, said: “It was a joy to discover that she really was exactly the person we all hoped she was.”
Kelly Clarkson said Parton had been “a gift”.
She “had a way of making everyone feel special, and seen, and welcomed, and as if you were old friends”.
“Dolly Parton’s goodness shone in whatever she did, from her beautiful, unmistakable voice to her inspiring philanthropy.”
Business titans also paid tribute to the Grammy winner.
Amazon founder Jeff Bezos posted a picture of him and Parton apparently at a dinner together.
“Dolly spent her whole life showing us what it means to lead with love. Lauren (Sanchez Bezos) and I are so grateful to have known her,” he said.
“She lifted everyone with her music, her generosity, and her joy.”
Apple’s Tim Cook said the singer’s music “helped light up the world”.
“She was a brilliant songwriter, cultural icon, and dedicated philanthropist who helped instil a love of reading and learning in millions of children around the world,” he wrote on social media. (AFP)
