The world is mourning Dolly Parton, who died on Tuesday at the age of 80. That includes Jane Fonda, the legend’s longtime friend and 9 to 5 co-star.
“I am devastated,” said Fonda, who recruited Parton for the role in the 1980 comedy, which also starred
Lily Tomlin. “I just learned that Dolly has moved on. I know that millions are mourning and I want to say this — more than anyone I have ever known, Dolly will always be with us because she was so present, so powerful, so generous and playful that she is woven into all our lives and hearts forever. We have our memories of her, her songs, Dollywood, ‘9 to 5,’ the millions of books she got into the hands of children, all the iconic images that bring her to us. And they are all blessings. Let’s be grateful for all that she has left us to ease our sadness now.”
Fonda also touched on Parton’s personality — “simultaneously a naughty, playful southern gal from the hollows of Tennessee and a deep, soulful thinker who could see through people right down to their true selves” — and how she’d never go to bed “before she and her friends had laughed so hard they’d have to cross their legs.”
“She had a survivor’s instinct and seemed to always know just what to do, just what to say, to make things right,” she added. “And then she’s stick her butt out the car window and moon Kenny Roger’s home.”
After mentioning Parton’s LGBTQ+ fanbase (“I want you to know that she loved you. You know that without me telling you”) Fonda concluded the tribute by recommending fans watch the finale of Grace and Frankie, in which Grace (Fonda) and Frankie (Tomlin) reunited with their 9 to 5 co-star. “She doesn’t want y’all to mourn now,” Fonda said. “Dress up and celebrate her spirit. But first, watch the final episode of Grace and Frankie where she’s an Angel, the head honcho working class angel in heaven.”
In addition to Fonda, Paul McCartney, Kacey Musgraves, Jack White, and many more have honored Parton following the announcement of her death, while President Donald Trump ordered that flags be flown at half-staff for the next week to honor “one of the greatest Country singers, and far beyond, EVER.”
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