Remembering Dolly Parton: Billy Ray Cyrus, Rob Halford, Carly Pearce and More Celebrate an Icon

Dolly Parton, the country music legend whose influence reached far beyond Nashville, died at age 80 at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center following a brief battle with cancer. Over the years, LifeMinute spoke with several stars about their experiences with Parton. Billy Ray Cyrus reflected on the career advice she gave him and what it meant to have one of his heroes become a friend. Judas Priest frontman Rob Halford recalled the unforgettable experience of performing with Parton at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, while former Lynyrd Skynyrd drummer Artimus Pyle remembered recording “Free Bird” for her rock album and praised her talent, generosity and humanitarian work. Carly Pearce looked back on singing and rehearsing with Parton, while Melissa Manchester celebrated the country icon’s intelligence, charm and unmistakable presence. From “Jolene” and “9 to 5” to “I Will Always Love You,” Parton leaves behind a musical and cultural legacy that crossed genres, generations and decades — and inspired countless artists along the way.