Dolly Parton’s death has prompted an outpouring of tributes across music, sports, and entertainment, with Tennessee feeling the loss particularly deeply.
Former Tennessee Volunteers quarterback and Denver Broncos great Peyton Manning also looked back on a memorable moment he shared with the country music icon.
His message centered on the connection Parton had with a state she represented with pride.
Peyton Manning Honors Dolly Parton After Country Music Icon’s Death
Manning shared his tribute on Instagram Tuesday night, pairing his words with photos from Parton’s memorable appearance at Neyland Stadium in 2023.
The former quarterback had escorted Parton onto the field before a Vols game, creating one of the most memorable intersections of Tennessee football and country music.
Parton arrived in her signature rhinestone-covered outfit and joined the university’s band for a performance of “Rocky Top.” More than 100,000 fans watched as the country music star performed inside Neyland Stadium.
Manning captioned the post while mourning Parton’s death at 80.
“There was only one Dolly, and I feel lucky to have known her,” Manning wrote. “We’ll miss you, Dolly. Tennessee won’t be the same without her!”
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The tribute held added meaning because Manning remains closely connected to Tennessee football. Before his NFL career with the Indianapolis Colts and Denver Broncos, he became one of the Volunteers’ most recognizable quarterbacks.
Parton died Tuesday after a brief battle with cancer, according to her publicist. She had been hospitalized at Nashville’s Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in the days leading up to her death, while her family kept details about her condition private.
Her career, which spanned more than six decades, made her one of the country’s biggest stars, but her impact reached much further. Parton wrote thousands of songs and sold more than 100 million albums worldwide, while her charitable work became another defining part of her public life.
Through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, millions of books have reached children through early literacy programs around the world. Her work in education and philanthropy helped expand her influence far beyond the stage.
President Donald Trump said Dolly Parton’s death was a major loss for millions of people and praised her as one of the greatest country singers ever.
In a statement, Trump wrote, “Very sad to report that Dolly Parton, one of the greatest Country singers, and far beyond, EVER, has just passed away. This is a true loss for millions of people. There has never been anyone like her, and never will.”
Trump also announced that the American flag would be lowered across the United States for one week in Parton’s honor, beginning at 6 p.m. He ended his message by writing, “Rest in Peace, Dolly! The World loves you.”
Parton’s family now plans to hold a private funeral for relatives and close friends.
