Eminem paid tribute to Dolly Parton after her death on Tuesday at the age of 80, sharing a previously private letter she had sent him following his 2022 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In the letter, Parton praised his performance at the ceremony and told him she had always felt an "unexplained connection" to him, despite admitting she knew little about rap music. The exchange highlights the wide-reaching respect Parton commanded across genres, with tributes pouring in from across music and entertainment following news of her death.

In her letter, Parton wrote that Eminem was "the very best" at rap music and expressed regret at missing the chance to meet him at the Hall of Fame ceremony, hoping they might cross paths one day. She encouraged him to keep creating, telling him he was "very special" and touched people "in ways you don't even know." Eminem responded with a heartfelt caption calling her "a superstar in every sense" and thanking her for the note, while other figures such as Reba McEntire also shared personal tributes celebrating Parton's music and legacy.