Tennessee officials are "heartbroken" over the death of country music icon and philanthropist Dolly Parton, who died on Aug. 25.
U.S. Rep. Diana Harshbarger, who represents Sevier County, said Parton's "music, her generosity, and her love for these mountains will outlast every one of us."
“Dolly Parton was one of ours,” Harshbarger said. “She grew up in the hills of Sevier County, right here in Tennessee's First District, and no matter how big her star got, she never stopped being one of us. She built Dollywood into a place that put East Tennessee on the map for the whole world to see, and through her Imagination Library, she put books in the hands of children who needed them most, including so many right here at home."
Republican gubernatorial
nominee U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn said she is praying for Parton's family "and the millions around the globe mourning this tremendous loss."
"Chuck and I are absolutely heartbroken and saddened to hear of the passing of our friend, Dolly Parton," Blackburn said in a statement. "Dolly’s life and career are forever woven into Tennessee’s music, culture, and history. Her extraordinary talent, generosity, and love for the Volunteer State touched hearts around the world and will continue to inspire generations to come. Tennessee will forever be grateful for Dolly."
There are no words to adequately express the sorrow our family and indeed, all Tennesseans, feel in the loss of Dolly Parton. An iconic leader who loved our great state and nation. Her passing leaves a void that no one can ever fill. Dolly, we will always love you. pic.twitter.com/0TvlT4VxIt
— Sen. Marsha Blackburn (@MarshaBlackburn) August 25, 2026
U.S. Sen. Bill Hagerty said he is praying for the Parton family.
"Dolly was talented beyond compare, and an entrepreneurial juggernaut who played an integral role in transforming our state," Hagerty said. "She brought laughter and joy to so many through her musical and philanthropic endeavors. She will be deeply, deeply missed."
U.S. Rep. Tim Burchett, R-Knoxville, called Parton "an incredible East Tennessean who served as an inspiration to little girls everywhere. Dolly never changed her accent or forgot where she came from."
Kelly and I are saddened by the news of Dolly’s passing. She was an incredible East Tennessean who served as an inspiration to little girls everywhere. Dolly never changed her accent or forgot where she came from. pic.twitter.com/ClJr1ZyxtU
— Tim Burchett (@timburchett) August 25, 2026
Rep. Caleb Hemmer, D-Nashville, said Dolly "embodied the best of us- authentic, talented and giving."
"All of Tennessee and most of the world mourns this tragic loss," Hemmer said.
Deputy House Speaker Jason Zachary called Parton "a true blessing," and "a Tennessee treasure that will truly be missed."
"All our hearts are broken at the news of Dolly Parton's passing," said Rep. John Gillespie, R-Memphis. "She was a Tennessee treasure and a legend in her own right. We will all miss you and your impact on the Volunteer state!"
This year, Lee designated Parton's 80th birthday, Jan. 19, as "Dolly Parton Day," in honor her life and legacy.
“Dolly Parton’s life and career is woven into Tennessee’s music, culture, and rich history,” Lee said at the time.“Her talent and generosity have made a lasting impact on the world, and it is fitting that we honor her 80th birthday by celebrating her remarkable legacy and dedication to the Volunteer State.”
On a credenza at the Governor's Mansion, there's a photo of Lee alongside Parton on stage at the 2019 National Conference of State Legislatures summit in Nashville.
In a statement, the House Republican Caucus thanked Parton for "making Tennessee proud."
"We are deeply saddened by the passing of one of Tennessee's most important icons," the statement said. "Tennessee will forever remember her for her extraordinary talent, her generous heart, and the pride she had in calling the Volunteer State home."
Senate Majority Leader Jack Johnson, R-Franklin, called Parton "a one-of-a-kind legend."
"She will be remembered for so much more than her wonderful music and remarkable roles; her generous heart and her bright spirit will continue to live on for years to come," Johnson said.
Rep. Bryan Terry, R-Murfreesboro, called Parton "one of our greatest Tennesseans."
"Tennessee and the world is a better place because of Dolly," Terry said.
In 2021, lawmakers proposed placing a statue of Parton on State Capitol grounds, facing the historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. Parton graciously declined the honor at the time, saying she didn't think it appropriate to "put me on a pedestal."
"I hope, though, that somewhere down the road several years from now or perhaps after I'm gone if you still feel I deserve it, then I'm certain I will stand proud in our great State Capitol as a grateful Tennessean," she said. "In the meantime, I'll continue to try to do good work to make this great state proud."
Vivian Jones covers state government and politics for The Tennessean. Reach her at vjones@tennessean.com.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: 'One of us.' Lawmakers' tributes to Dolly Parton
