Sir Paul McCartney has led musical tributes to Dolly Parton following the country music icon's death at the age of 80. Parton died in Nashville, Tennessee on 25 August, with her passing confirmed by her nephew Bryan Seaver, who said she had "lived in the light" and was reunited with loved ones in heaven. McCartney's tribute carries particular weight given their musical collaboration, as Parton covered The Beatles' "Let It Be" with both McCartney and Ringo Starr featuring on the track for her 2023 album Rockstar.

Sharing photos of the pair from 1974 on Instagram, McCartney recalled first meeting Parton at the Grand Ole Opry, describing her as "bubbly and full of life" and praising her songwriting, singing and philanthropy as "unrivaled" in country music. He also commended her business acumen and said performing on his song was among his greatest honours, closing with "we will always love you… you were the best." Parton had previously spoken of her excitement at securing McCartney and Starr for the cover, while Mick Jagger also paid tribute on social media, praising her as a songwriter and singer who "brought so many people together."