Beyoncé has paid tribute to Dolly Parton after the country music legend died on Tuesday at the age of 80. The pair collaborated closely on Beyoncé's 2024 album Cowboy Carter, which included a reimagined version of Parton's 1973 classic "Jolene", making the loss particularly personal for the singer, who described Parton as "the barometer" and "the north star" of country music.

In a statement posted to her website, Beyoncé praised Parton's boldness, talent and generosity, saying she was honoured to have worked with her and would "treasure that forever". Beyond the "Jolene" cover, Parton featured on Cowboy Carter through two spoken interludes, including "Dolly P", where she referenced Beyoncé's earlier hit "Sorry", and a cameo introducing the track "Tyrant". Parton had also publicly praised the album ahead of its release, congratulating Beyoncé after "Texas Hold 'Em" made her the first Black woman to top Billboard's Hot Country Songs chart.