Actor and activist Jane Fonda has paid an emotional tribute to Dolly Parton following the country music icon's death at the age of 80. Parton's passing was confirmed by her nephew, Bryan Seaver, who said she died in Nashville, Tennessee, on 25th August, framing her death as a peaceful reunion with loved ones rather than a cause for sorrow. Fonda's tribute matters because it reflects the deep personal bond and creative partnership the two women shared, and the outpouring of grief underlines Parton's enormous cultural influence across generations and communities.

Fonda and Parton first bonded while filming the 1980 comedy 9 to 5, a friendship that endured for decades. In her statement, Fonda described being "devastated" and called Parton "the voluptuous embodiment of empathy," praising her wit, generosity and multifaceted talents as a songwriter, musician and philanthropist. She also highlighted Parton's love for her LGBTQ+ fans, urged people to celebrate her life rather than mourn, and referenced Parton's guest role as an angel in the finale of Grace and Frankie, before closing with, "RIP, beautiful woman. We love you."