Dave Stewart and Annie Lennox both pay tribute to Dolly Parton, The Songbird who belonged to us all

Some become legends.

And then there are the very few who transcend music altogether.

Dolly Parton was one of those people.

The news of Dolly's passing at the age of 80 has left a sadness that reaches far beyond country music. Across every genre, every generation and every corner of the world, people are saying goodbye to someone who felt less like a superstar and more like a friend.

That was Dolly's gift.

She wrote some of the greatest songs ever recorded. She sold millions of records, broke countless records, built an entertainment empire and transformed children's lives through her charitable work. Yet somehow she remained approachable, funny, generous and endlessly human. Behind the rhinestones, the wigs and the larger-than-life image was a songwriter of remarkable depth and a woman whose compassion matched her extraordinary talent.

For Eurythmics fans, one image now feels especially poignant.

In 2022, Dolly stood centre stage at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony, surrounded by some of the biggest names in music. Annie Lennox and Dave Stewart joined her for a joyous all-star performance of Jolene, alongside Simon Le Bon, Pink, Rob Halford, Pat Benatar, Sheryl Crow and Brandi Carlile.

Looking back, it felt less like a performance and more like a gathering of artists paying their respects to one of their own.

When Annie stepped forward to sing her verse, there was a genuine sense of joy on stage. No ego. No competition. Just musicians celebrating a songwriter whose influence reached every genre imaginable.

That was the extraordinary thing about Dolly.

A country singer beloved by rock stars.

A songwriter admired by pop icons.

A global superstar who somehow remained completely herself.

The final moments of that performance seem even more powerful today. Looking across that stage, you could see artists whose careers had taken them down very different roads. Pop, rock, metal, country, folk and new wave all sharing the same spotlight.

In that moment, labels disappeared.

Nobody was a country queen.

Nobody was a rock legend.

Nobody was a pop star.

They were simply musicians celebrating Dolly Parton.

Following the news of her passing, tributes have poured in from every corner of the entertainment world, a reflection of the affection she inspired throughout her life. Artists who had worked with her, admired her or simply crossed paths with her have all spoken of the same qualities: kindness, generosity, humour and authenticity.

Dave Stewart and Annie Lennox were among those paying tribute, remembering not only the artist the world knew, but the woman behind the music. Dave also shared a personal note Dolly had sent him after their Rock Hall appearance, a reminder that despite decades spent at the very top of the industry, she never lost the ability to make people feel seen, appreciated and valued.

Annie Lennox Wrote :

I wrote the following little piece for Ms Dolly Parton yesterday and just wanted to share it with you.

" You rarely get to meet true powerhouses and SHE was DEFINITELY one...with humility, warmth and grace! 

On November 5th 2022, Eurythmics had the unforgettable experience of performing ‘Jolene’ with the legendary Dolly Parton,  joining alongside an exceptional mix of musical acolytes, representing a cross section of musicians who were all being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. 

When we arrived for the dress rehearsal - There she was, standing centre stage - 

A surprisingly tiny figure in vertiginous high - heeled boots and full rocker regalia, dressed head to toe in a figure-hugging outfit of black skintight PVC, adorned with suspended pendants of silver chains.

As tiny as she was, her presence was big enough to fill TEN football stadiums.

She was warm and personable, with a tremendously dry sense of humour. 

We ALL felt extremely favoured to be part of that song performance.

It was a special moment with no pedestals in sight... except for the one we placed her upon that night. 

Rest In Power Dolly Parton - the REAL deal" 

Dave Stewart Wrote :

This is the kind of woman Dolly was , making sure she wrote everyone a letter after her performance ❤️ @dollyparton was the most humble, kind-hearted and extraordinarily talented human being. I would have voted for Dolly for President, Mayor, Queen anything, really. The world simply felt like a better place with her in it.

 

Everyone seems to have a Dolly story.

And almost every one of those stories speaks of kindness.

Not because she had to be kind.

Because she chose to be.

While the world celebrates her achievements today, perhaps her greatest legacy lies beyond the music itself. Through her Imagination Library she put hundreds of millions of books into the hands of children around the world. Through countless charitable projects she quietly changed lives. Through simple acts of generosity she earned the respect and affection of people who never forgot her.

Very few artists are universally admired.

Even fewer are universally loved.

Dolly Parton was both.

The world will remember the songs.

It will remember the records, the awards and the extraordinary career.

But those who knew Dolly, worked with her or were inspired by her will remember something else.

They will remember the laughter.

They will remember the generosity.

They will remember the way she made people feel.

That is why her loss feels so personal.

Dolly Parton did not just leave behind a catalogue of songs.

She left behind millions of people who felt they knew her.

And in some small way, perhaps they did.

Thank you, Dolly.

Dolly Parton
19th January 1946 - 25th August 2026