The music industry has been paying tribute to Dolly Parton, who died yesterday aged 80. Alongside countless tributes from fellow artists, a number of Parton’s business partners in the music industry, and industry organisations she supported, have also issued statements.
Parton’s death was confirmed yesterday, with her official website announcing that “global icon and humanitarian Dolly Parton, known to the world as a beloved singer, songwriter, philanthropist, actress, playwright and author, died peacefully today in Nashville, Tennessee”.
The official statement noted that, “with a seven-decade career”, Parton “inspired multiple generations of artists and fans with her music and an unwavering commitment to making the world a better place”. Her songs and music, it added, “will continue to resonate with people of all ages”, while her philanthropic work “will have a lasting impact”.
As a recording artist, Parton had a long relationship with RCA Victor and then Columbia - both now part of Sony Music - before launching her own label in the 1990s. Her own label usually partnered with other labels on her releases, including at one point RCA and Sony again. Sony Music Publishing also agreed a deal with Parton in 2019 to administer much of her songs catalogue.
Sony Nashville was among the music companies paying tribute to Parton yesterday, stating that “every superlative you could apply to her would be accurate” because “Dolly was a monumental talent and trailblazer whose extraordinary artistry touched millions around the globe”.
It went on, “She made songs that became part of our shared vocabulary and crossed genres and generations. Her generosity was as extraordinary as her talent. Dolly showed that an artist’s legacy is measured not only in songs, but in lives changed”.
On the live side, Parton had a long partnership with agent Neil Warnock, now Co-Head of UTA in the UK. Paying tribute yesterday, he said that “Dolly was just Dolly. She started with a vision and never took her foot off the gas”.
He went on, “I was fortunate to be part of her life and to witness, alongside her manager Danny Nozell, the energy and ambition she brought to every chapter of her extraordinary career. It was a privilege to know her and to play a part in her journey”.
In terms of music industry organisations, the US Country Music Association is among those who have published tributes in the last 24 hours. Its CEO, Sarah Trahern, said, “At the end of the day, few artists define country music better than the one-word, Dolly”.
“Over her decades-long career, I worked with her on a number of programmes”, she continued ,adding that Parton “was always the most professional in every setting, often walking off the bus in heels and hair and make-up ready to go, before expected and before the cast and crew”.
Meanwhile the American Federation Of Musicians said of Parton in a statement that, “while the world knows her as a global superstar and philanthropist, we knew her as a steadfast champion for working musicians. Dolly was always very generous with her time and her money”.
AFM’s International President Tino Gagliardi then added, “Before she was an icon, Dolly was a working musician. Dolly never forgot the musicians who helped bring her music to life. By standing firm for solidarity and treating every player with dignity, she elevated our entire profession”.
