Kamala Harris, Oprah Winfrey Pay Tribute To Dolly Parton
Former United States Vice President Kamala Harris and media mogul Oprah Winfrey have paid emotional tributes to country music legend Dolly Parton, celebrating her extraordinary career, philanthropy and enduring impact on millions of people around the world.
Harris described Parton as a “true American icon,” recalling how the singer rose from humble beginnings in East Tennessee to become a global superstar.
According to Harris, Parton’s remarkable career included 11 Grammy Awards, an Emmy Award and an honorary Oscar. She also highlighted the singer’s philanthropic work through her Imagination Library, which has distributed more than 300 million books to children around the world.
“All at once she was kind, modest, and funny,” Harris wrote. “With her music, her philanthropy, and her style, Dolly was one of one.”
Harris added that she and her husband, Doug Emhoff, were sending prayers to Parton’s family, friends and everyone touched by her life and work.
“We will always love you, Dolly,” she said.
Oprah Winfrey also remembered Parton fondly, sharing a personal memory of appearing with the country music star while wearing Bob Mackie gowns on Parton’s television show.
“One of my fondest memories with Dolly Parton: Having a hoot and a holler while wearing Bob Mackie gowns on her show Dolly,” Winfrey wrote.
She described Parton as a girl from the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee who dreamed of an extraordinary life and went on to achieve far more than she could have imagined, while giving generously to others.
“No one like her. She brought the light, and we are all better because she was here,” Winfrey said.
She concluded her tribute with a blessing for the late entertainer: “God bless you, Dolly—you earned your wings.”
The tributes from Harris and Winfrey add to the widespread outpouring of affection for Parton, whose music, philanthropy and distinctive personality made her one of the most influential and beloved figures in American popular culture.
