Miley Cyrus, Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, Sir Paul McCartney and other artists have paid tribute to Dolly Parton following her death aged 80 after a brief battle with cancer. The tributes underline Parton’s exceptional influence as a country music performer and songwriter, as well as her wider legacy as a philanthropist and cultural figure.

Cyrus described her godmother as an “angel by my side”, while Swift praised Parton’s grace, determination and support for children’s literacy. Parton was celebrated for songs including Jolene, 9 to 5 and I Will Always Love You, and for helping fund one of the first Covid-19 vaccines and providing millions of books to children through literacy initiatives.