Eminem has shared a heartfelt letter from Dolly Parton, paying tribute to her as a ‘superstar’ and regretting that they never had the chance to meet.
The 53-year-old rapper described the late country music legend, who died on Tuesday aged 80, as ‘an icon’ even for someone in the hip-hop world.
He wrote on his social media accounts: ‘I’m sorry we never got a chance to meet, but getting this note from Dolly really had an impact on me. She definitely didn’t have to take the time to do it.
‘Even for a kid who mostly listened to rap music, she was an icon. A superstar in every sense. Rest easy Dolly. And thank you for the kind words.’
Alongside his tribute, the Lose Yourself chart-topper – whose real name is Marshall Mathers – shared a letter Dolly sent him after they were both inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as part of the 2022 class alongside the likes of Carly Simon, Lionel Richie, the Eurythmics and more.
On special headed notepaper, she had written: ‘Marshall (Eminem), Congratulations on your induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Your performance was amazing and everybody said so.
‘Even though I don’t know a lot about rap music, I’ve come to know that you are the very best at it.’
Dolly then continued: ‘Aside from that I hope what I have to say will not seem weird or strange but I have always felt some unexplained connection to you like I know you somehow.’
The 9-5 and Jolene singer revealed she wanted to get the chance to chat Eminem at the ceremony, while admitting she used to ‘hate’ the hectic nature of similar events.
‘I had hoped to meet you at the show but you know how nuts those things are, personally I hate ’em and I missed my chance but maybe someday we’ll meet.
‘In the meantime, keep doing what you’re doing because you do it so well and no matter how complex your world may be just know you are very special and touch people in ways you don’t even know.
‘With love and respect, Dolly Parton.’
Parton had inititally tried to remove herself as an inductee to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, humbly doubting her standing in the category, before ‘gracefully’ accepting the honour when persuaded that many other artists outside rock music had been honoured before her.
‘The word “legend” and “American Icon” are thrown around too freely. But these are 2 of the true all-time greats… RIP Dolly. I know you’re smiling and laughing in Heaven,’ Sweet Home Alabama and Yellowstone actor Josh Lucas commented under Eminem’s post.
‘Man, there’s something beautiful about one legend taking the time to recognise another, and just as beautiful to share her words with us all. Admiration for both. May she rest in peace,’ added Chris Wenger.
‘God she just loved everyone this is destroying my heart [sic.],’ admitted @therealdrewbyg, while songwriter, producer and 4 Non Blondes star Linda Perry wrote: ‘I produced this version. One of the most beautiful experiences in my life was making music with her. Heartbreaking to hear this song. Dolly will shine brighter than she has ever.’
Eminem is one of many celebrities who have shared their sadness over Dolly’s death since it was confirmed in a video message from her nephew Bryan Seaver on Tuesday night, which he shared on her Instagram and X account at his aunt’s request.
‘My name is Bryan Seaver, son of Cassie Parton, and I’m representing the Parton and Owens family today announcing the passing of my aunt, Dolly Rebecca Parton Dean, Sister, Sis and Granny to one generation and Gigi to the next,’ he said.
‘This video announcement is something Dolly asked of me years ago, before I fully absorbed it as a future reality.
‘As her head of security for more than two decades, a role my father Larry held before me, I have imagined the heaviness of this moment but haven’t truly felt it until now.
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‘It is an honour, an honour that is mixed with absolute pride and great sadness. But sadness lies with us, not with Dolly. Dolly has lived in the light and is in the arms of Jesus, surely met by Carl, her parents and countless others who have watched her and longed to meet her in the heavens.’
It has since been revealed by her rep that the 9 to 5 singer died after ‘bravely facing a brief battle with cancer’.
The type of cancer was not disclosed, but Parton had recently said she’d been through ‘hard times’ with her health and had pulled out of a fan event earlier this month due to ‘dizziness and dehydration’.
President Donald Trump has also taken the unusual step of honouring the late star by lowering the US flag throughout the country for a whole week.
Beyoncé, who worked with Parton and recorded a reworked cover of Jolene for her album Cowboy Carter, called Parton ‘the barometer’ and ‘north star’.
‘I’m honored that I had the privilege to work with you,’ she added. ‘I will treasure that forever. Thank you for your profound impact on the world. You are an angel who has made this world a happier place because of your joyful art. You are truly one of one. Rest peacefully.’
Meanwhile Taylor Swift said in a statement shared with media outlets that ‘a world without Dolly doesn’t feel possible, real, or right’.
‘But because of the eternally generous way she spent her time on this earth and the countless lives she changed for the better, her legacy will be an everlasting one,’ she wrote.