Liza Minnelli has paid an emotional tribute to Dolly Parton following the country music star’s death, describing the news as “devastating” and praising Parton as a supportive friend. Her message adds to the widespread public response to Parton’s death and highlights the personal relationships behind her public career.

Minnelli said she and Parton were introduced through their shared agent, Sam Haskell, and recalled Parton recording with Michael Feinstein for his Gershwin Country album, which Minnelli executive produced. She said the pair had encouraged one another and wrote that Parton recognised when she was struggling; Parton died on 25 August, aged 80, after a brief battle with cancer.