08/26/2026
A Statement to Our Artists, Friends, and Music Community
The music world has lost one of its brightest lights.
Dolly Parton was more than an extraordinary singer, songwriter, entertainer, and icon. She was one of us—an artist who understood the power of a song to tell a story, heal a heart, bring people together, and sometimes change a life.
For generations of artists, Dolly represented something very special. We admired her talent, but we loved her for so much more. We loved her authenticity, her humor, her faith in people, her generosity, and the kindness she showed throughout her remarkable life.
She never seemed to forget where she came from, no matter how famous she became. And perhaps that is one of the greatest lessons she leaves those of us in the arts: success does not require us to lose our humanity.
Her songs became part of the soundtrack of our lives. Artists across genres and generations have sung them, learned from them, been inspired by them, and dreamed bigger because Dolly Parton showed us what was possible.
Many of us are not simply mourning a legendary performer. We are mourning a fellow artist whom we loved.
On behalf of our organization and the many artists whose lives and careers have been touched by Dolly’s music and example, we extend our deepest condolences to her family, friends, colleagues, and the millions of people around the world who loved her.
The stage may be a little darker tonight, but the light Dolly Parton gave this world will never disappear.
Her voice will remain in our songs.
Her kindness will remain in our hearts.
And her legacy will remain in every artist she inspired.
Rest peacefully, Dolly.
We will always love you.
Nils Bundy
President of Artists Relations
Executive Offices of The Artists Music Guild
