Hours after Dolly Parton was laid to rest, her longtime friend and co-star Jane Fonda reflected on their relationship and spoke about how dear she holds Parton.
The “Queen of Country” died on August 25 following a brief battle with cancer, leaving fans and fellow entertainers mourning her loss.
Amid the grief, those closest to Parton have been keeping her legacy alive by sharing stories of the woman behind the legend.
Fonda became emotional as she looked back on her years with Parton, describing the singer’s deep care for others. The pair first grew close while working together, but their connection extended far beyond the screen.
When Fonda was asked what Parton meant to her, she was tearful before summing up the country legend in one word. “She meant love. She loved everyone,” the “Grace and Frankie” star told “Democracy Now.”
Fonda continued, remembering Parton’s deep affection for people and visits they made to poor communities in Tennessee and Arkansas.
According to Fonda, the “Steel Magnolias” actress never treated those she met as though they were beneath her. Instead, dressed in her “full regalia,” she approached them with genuine respect and warmth, and because of Parton, they also accepted Fonda.
“They loved her so much that they accepted my presence, and it was so clear that she absolutely respected them,” Fonda said. “That was why there was so much love. She never played down. She was always who she was, out of respect for her fans.”
For Fonda, those experiences were a lesson to her on how important it is to appreciate the people who support you.
Reba McEntire Opened Up About Moments With Parton She Will Always Treasure
Fonda is not the only star reflecting on the time she spent with the country music star. Reba McEntire has also reflected on the deceased icon’s impact, holding on to two particular encounters that remain very close to her heart.
As The Blast reported, in McEntire’s tribute to Parton, she noted she would “never forget” their first meeting and their last conversation. “I hold it with love in my heart,” McEntire shared.
She also celebrated the eleven-time Grammy Winner’s extraordinary talent, describing her as someone whose place could never truly be filled.
Cher Praised The ‘Jolene’ Singer’s Positivity As She Battled Health Issues
Cher, another longtime companion of Parton, also offered glimpses into her friendship with the 80-year-old and her approach to life.
During a recent appearance on “CBS News,” Cher spoke about Parton’s ability to remain hopeful while dealing with the health struggles she kept largely away from the public eye.
“No matter what was happening, she was either going to go with it, or it was going to get better,” Cher said, according to The Blast. “She just had a spirit, and it was a spirit that was always thinking the best was happening, the best was going to happen.”
Dolly Parton Was Honored With An Intimate Farewell Ceremony
While Parton’s pals and colleagues have been reflecting on her life, her family gathered privately in Nashville to say their final goodbyes.
According to The Blast, about a dozen relatives, including Parton’s nephew Bryan Seaver, arrived at the cemetery carrying flowers for the intimate gathering.
Insiders reported heavy police presence before their arrival, with one officer on scene adding that Seaver appeared to be “in charge” of the private gathering.
The “Dumb Blonde” singer was interred beside her husband Carl Dean, who passed away in March 2025 at the age of 82.
Dolly Parton Scored a Major Posthumous Milestone
Even after her death, Parton’s music continues to live on, with one of her most recognizable songs now closing in on a big UK chart achievement.
The Blast recently reported that “9 to 5” is projected to reach No. 1 on the UK singles chart after a surge in interest over the past week.
The Official Charts Company predicted the song to remain at the top of the chart through the week and potentially claim the coveted No. 1 position on Friday.
The 1980 hit previously earned her an Oscar nomination for Best Original Song and three Grammy nominations. Now, more than four decades after its release, the track could give the country icon another remarkable milestone.
