Mariah Carey has paid tribute to Dolly Parton following the country legend’s death, remembering her as “one of the most brilliant, iconic, and prolific artists of all time.” Carey shared the emotional message on X, closing with the same words Parton once used when publicly praising her: “I will always love you.”
“Rest in Peace Dolly, one of the most brilliant, iconic, and prolific artists of all time,” Mariah Carey wrote. “Your kindness and generosity will never be forgotten. I will always love you.”
Carey is the latest major pop star to honor Parton, whose influence stretched far beyond country music and into virtually every corner of popular culture. The two artists never met in person, but their connection developed through mutual admiration, Christmas music and years of public praise.
Their musical relationship gained a particularly memorable chapter in 2020, when Dolly Parton covered Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You.” The rendition appeared on Parton’s holiday album A Holly Dolly Christmas, bringing together two of the most recognizable names associated with Christmas music.
Two years later, the pair exchanged affection publicly while discussing their respective places in the holiday music conversation. Parton said she had no interest in competing with Carey for the title of “Queen of Christmas,” joking that she was happy to be “second in line.” Carey responded by calling Parton the “Queen of Everything” and the “Queen of the World.”
Carey’s tribute arrives alongside an outpouring of messages from artists across generations. Kacey Musgraves, Blake Shelton, Reba McEntire, Julia Michaels, Lauren Jauregui, Shaboozey, Eminem, Taylor Swift, and Chlöe Bailey have all shared personal reflections, while Spotify described Parton as an “undisputed icon” whose songwriting, voice and ability to connect country music with pop culture made her singular.
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