Allie Colleen Brooks, the 30-year-old daughter of country music superstar Garth Brooks, shared her greatest fear about how the world will publicly mourn her father following the death of country icon Dolly Parton on Aug. 25.
Writing on Instagram on Aug. 25, the Good As It Gets singer expressed her feelings amid the international outpouring of love for Parton. Allie Colleen wrote, "My greatest fear in life is the day my Dad loses his life and I have to see the world mourn a man they never knew the way I knew him." She offered her love and condolences to Parton's personal family and friends, thanking them for sharing the 9 to 5 singer with the world and adding in her caption that to grieve is to know you loved deeply and fully.
After social media users criticized the post as insensitive, with one commenter expressing confusion over whether Allie Colleen meant only family members were allowed to grieve, the singer defended her comments. She explained that she was acknowledging Parton's family and sharing how her own industry experiences make it difficult to respond, writing, "I am saying I don't know how to respond to these things in my industry because of my life experiences. I'm not telling anyone else how to grieve. I'm just acknowledging the family. You do you babe." On Aug. 28, she added on Instagram Stories, "I really don't understand what everyone's so mad at me for??" Allie Colleen has previously displayed her close bond with her father by performing onstage with him during a concert and calling him "the best one a daughter could ask for" in a Father's Day post in 2021.
Family and Country Music Peers Pay Tribute
The comments came as artists across the globe remembered Parton following her death. Pop singer Harry Styles paid tribute to Parton during the opening night of his concert residency at Madison Square Garden. Parton's younger sister, Stella Parton, shared details of their close bond on social media, recalling how they spoke on the phone over coffee every Tuesday morning before sunrise. Describing themselves as little farm girls and early risers, Stella quoted her sister saying, "shoot Tedda, we get more work done before the sun comes up than most folks do all day long!"
Country singer Billy Ray Cyrus reflected on his long friendship with the Love Is Like a Butterfly singer, recalling how he grew up watching her on television in his living room. Cyrus revealed that Parton recently sent him a message saying she loved him with her whole heart. His daughter, Malibu singer Miley Cyrus, paid tribute to her godmother on Instagram, writing that their most sacred moments took place privately behind the stage, beneath the glamour, and between their hearts. She added that one of their final conversations touched on music and metamorphosis.
Wynonna Judd, known as the Kentucky Queen, praised Parton for supporting her after her mother, Naomi Judd, died by suicide in April 2022. Judd recalled how Parton showed up for her like family, concluding her tribute with the message, "From one mountain woman to another, I will always love you." Country singer Kelsea Ballerini, who narrated part of Parton's 2022 audiobook Run, Rose, Run, called her "My East Tennessee angel" in an Instagram Story. Country artist Carly Pearce shared that her family uprooted their lives when she was 15 so she could perform in the Country Crossroads show at Dollywood, promising to carry forward Parton's light.
Tributes From Pop Stars and Screen Legends
Pop icons and Hollywood actors also honored Parton's legacy. In a statement to E! News, Taylor Swift praised Parton's generosity, writing that she possessed "the softest heart when it came to the struggles of others, and a backbone of steel to defend her own self worth as an artist," while highlighting her work providing millions of books to children worldwide. Beyoncé posted a tribute on her website on Aug. 25, calling Parton "the barometer" and "The North Star." She expressed gratitude for the privilege of collaborating with Parton on a new version of Jolene for her album Cowboy Carter.
Katy Perry praised the Dark Horse singer for defying female stereotypes, writing on Instagram that Parton proved "big boobs, big brains, and a big voice can all exist in one tiny body!" before predicting that Parton is "already remodeling them pearly gates with rhinestones." Indie singer Maggie Rogers recalled playing with Parton at Newport, sharing that she felt her chest was on fire in awe. Canadian rock band Nickelback described Parton on X as an unbelievable entertainer and genuinely good human being, while singers Chloe Bailey and Sia posted tributes praising her talent and spirit.
Dancer Derek Hough recalled sharing the stage with Parton on Dancing With the Stars in 2007 alongside Mark Ballas and Cheryl Burke for performances of 9 to 5 and Better Get to Livin'. Overboard actress Goldie Hawn shared a throwback photograph from the first day she met Parton, describing her as a joyful, celestial being. Brooke Shields, who made guest appearances on Hannah Montana alongside Parton, wrote on Instagram that "the equilibrium of the earth feels off." Oscar winner Jane Fonda, Parton's 9 to 5 costar, praised Parton's love for her gay and trans fans and urged admirers to watch the final episode of Grace and Frankie, where Parton played a head honcho working class angel in heaven.
Broadcasting and Comedy Icons Remember Legend
Broadcasters and television personalities recalled their encounters with Parton. Late Night host and former Saturday Night Live cast member Seth Meyers recalled two stories from Parton's 2019 guest appearance. After Meyers mentioned backstage that his three-year-old son loved Jolene, Parton FaceTimed to sing the song to him. Later, while sitting on a stool in a short skirt to film a promo for her NBC Christmas special, Parton joked to the audience, "I gotta be careful or else I'm gonna show y'all my box office!" Meyers described the joke as "Too dirty for church, too clean for the bar."
Former Wheel of Fortune host Pat Sajak shared a story on X about flying from Nashville to Los Angeles after being hired by KNBC. When the coach section was overbooked, Sajak was moved to first class and seated next to Parton. American Idol host Ryan Seacrest thanked Parton on Instagram for her generosity toward Seacrest Studios and pediatric patients. Media icon Oprah Winfrey recalled wearing Bob Mackie gowns on Parton's television show Dolly, writing that the girl from the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee lived a life bigger than she could have imagined.
Musicians across genres reflected on her broad impact. Billy Joel shared a tribute on behalf of his family, noting that Parton had covered his music, hosted his children at her Dollywood theme park, and championed endometriosis awareness. Daryl Hall of Hall & Oates expressed amazement on X at how well Parton played instruments with long fingernails. Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger praised her as a wonderful songwriter who brought people together. Late musician Jimmy Buffett and hip-hop star Flavor Flav praised her philanthropy and dedication to children's education, while the Muppets musical ensemble thanked her for every second spent together on and off stage. Singer Maren Morris posted a video singing with Parton, and Princess Diaries star Anne Hathaway encouraged fans to follow in Parton's "bedazzled footsteps."
