Country superstar Carrie Underwood offered a moving tribute to Dolly Parton at a concert at Tanglewood Music Center followed by the song “See You Again” dedicated to the late singer.
“She’s just the one that transcends all space and all time,” Underwood said, revealing she was shocked to learn of the country music icon’s death and remembering her as “one of the nicest people I think I’ve ever met.”
The “Jolene” singer died Aug. 25 at the age of 80 after a quiet battle with cancer.
The AMERICAN IDOL judge and Parton cohosted the 2019 CMA Awards together along with Reba McEntire and performed a duet of one of Parton’s signature songs “I Will Always Love You” during the CARRIE UNDERWOOD: AN ALL-STAR HOLIDAY SPECIAL in 2009.
The “Jesus Take the Wheel” singer also paid tribute on Instagram to the late singer and actress.
“She’s not gone. I know exactly where she is,” Underwood wrote. “She was the epitome of faith, grace, talent, beauty and humor. She had a humble heart for Jesus and made everyone around her feel special.”
Related: Dolly Parton, Faith-Filled Country Icon and Movieguide® Award Winner, Dies at 80
In addition to her seven-decade musical career, Parton was also known for her philanthropy. She started the Dollywood Foundation which launched Imagination Library in 1995 that sent one book each month to every child that was enrolled in the program to help promote literacy. Her foundation also provided scholarships and helped with disaster relief.
Christian artist Zach Williams, who collaborated with Parton on “There Was Jesus,” also paid tribute to the late star’s generosity and faith.
“Dolly, your songs, your faith, and the way you loved people impacted me more than you probably ever will know,” Williams posted on Instagram. “You showed all of us that success didn’t have to change your heart, and that we could use what God gave us to make life a little better for somebody else.”
McEntire paid tribute to the “9 to 5” singer whose friendship spanned over 40 years.
“Dolly, thank you for all the wonderful things you did for us here on earth,” McEntire wrote. “Your love, your music and you gave so much with your huge, huge heart. There will never ever be another you. We will remember and cherish every memory and every note you ever played and sang.”
Dolly was open about her faith, but for the beloved star it was more than just something to talk about. “I don’t practice [faith] – I live it,” she said.
And that she did.
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