Dolly Parton, who died this week, once performed for Queen Elizabeth II in 1977 and admitted she had been "scared to death" about getting her curtsy right. The recollection has resurfaced following Parton's death, with British commentators drawing comparisons between the singer and the late monarch as two admired, resilient female figures whose loss has been felt across the Atlantic.

Parton performed as a surprise guest during the Queen's Silver Jubilee celebrations in Glasgow, Scotland, singing "You Are" from her 1977 album "New Harvest First Gathering," having reportedly only learned she would be meeting the Queen while already on the plane. She later said the Queen was "very sweet" and clearly did not worry about strict protocol, putting Parton at ease. British broadcaster Helena Chard said the two women shared mutual admiration for each other's poise and work ethic, while royal broadcaster Ian Pelham Turner recalled the event being billed as "the Queen of country meeting the Queen of England." The royal family also paid tribute to Parton this week, with the Band of the Coldstream Guards playing her hit "9 to 5" during the Changing of the Guard.