King Charles and Queen Camilla have paid a very public tribute
Dolly Parton and accompanied it with a heartfelt message.
On the morning of August 26, just hours after the death of Dolly
Parton was announced, the royals asked the band to play some of her
greatest hits at Changing the Guard. It’s a rare honour, only used
for major events.
In this instance, Buckingham Palace and the crowds watching were
regaled with ‘9 to 5’, one of Dolly’s most famous hits.
The legendary songwriter and singer died, after a short illness,
on August 25 at the age of 80.
Tributes have poured in from around the world for a performer
whose charitable and philanthropic work was as prolific as her
multi hit, multi million making career.
Dolly Parton’s advocacy and often silent support for major
causes was also recalled by King Charles and Queen Camilla in the
message posted on the Royal Family’s social media. They remembered
a woman who ‘who ”brought joy, comfort and inspiration to so many –
including the millions of children given free books through her
Imagination Library”.
Their message called her the ”late, great, Dolly” and ended with
a sweet tribute, saying ”We will always love you”.
Dolly Parton was one of the best loved and known singers and
actresses in the world, selling over 100 million records. She was
an award winning songwriter, creating over 3,000 tunes, including
some of the best known music of the 20th century including the
global hit ‘I Will Always Love you’ which went to number 1 in
countries around the world when it was recorded by Whitney Houston
for the film, The Bodyguard. It had already been a hit sung by
Dolly herself for the film ‘The Best Little Whorehouse in
Texas’.
However, it was Dolly Parton’s philanthropic work that caught
attention, too. Through her Imagination Library, millions of
children in five countries received a free book every month until
they were five. She supported healthcare initiatives and cross
community work. her Dollywood Foundation supports initiatives
around the world. Throughout her life, she remained inspired by her
parents, Lee and Avie, who raised Dolly and her siblings in real
poverty.
In her stellar career, Dolly Parton won eleven Grammy awards and
three Emmys and was nominated for two Oscars and six Golden Globes
as well as a Tony award.
She married Carl Dean in 1966 at the age of 20. He died in
2025.
Following the announcement of her death, it was confirmed she
died of cancer after a short illness.
Although she met royalty throughout her career, there’s no doubt
that the girl who began life in a one room cabin in Tennessee would
have been surprised to hear that The King and Queen paid such a
fulsome tribute to her on her death.
