Eminem has shared a letter Dolly Parton once sent him in which she reflected on their “unexplained connection”.
On Tuesday, a family representative announced that the country music icon had died at the age of 80 following a “brief battle” with cancer.
Parton will be laid to rest in a “small, private” service held for immediate family.
Following the sad news, Eminem – real name Marshall Mathers III – posted a note he received from Parton after he was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2022.
“Even though I don’t know a lot about rap music, I’ve come to know that you are the very best at it,” she wrote. “Aside from that I hope what I have to say will not seem weird or strange to you but I have always felt some unexplained connection to you like I know you somehow.”
Parton asserted that she hoped to meet Eminem one day and urged him to “keep doing what you’re doing”.
And in the accompanying caption, the Lose Yourself rapper expressed his sadness over the Jolene hitmaker’s passing.
“I’m sorry we never got a chance to meet, but getting this note from Dolly really had an impact on me,” he insisted. “She definitely didn’t have to take the time to do it. Even for a kid who mostly listened to rap music, she was an icon. A superstar in every sense. Rest easy Dolly. And thank you for the kind words.”
Elsewhere, Beyoncé posted a heartfelt tribute to Parton on her website. The pair collaborated on a reimagined version of Jolene for the 44-year-old’s 2024 album, Cowboy Carter.
“Dolly, you were the barometer. The North Star. Bold and brilliant. Talented and tenacious. You taught so many lessons on how to be uniquely oneself,” she reflected. “I’m honored that I had the privilege to work with you. I will treasure that forever. Thank you for your profound impact on the world. You are an angel who has made this world a happier place because of your joyful art. You are truly one of one. Rest peacefully.”
While in an X post, Dionne Warwick remembered her friend.
“I will certainly miss her laugher, jokes and her being. Rest well and in total peace my friend. My heart is heavy,” she reflected.
