Brandi Carlile has paid tribute to the late Dolly Parton, describing her as a courageous advocate for the LGBTQ+ community and a source of love and acceptance during a time when such stances could be perilous. Parton, who passed away at the age of 80 on August 25, 2023, is remembered by Carlile for her genuine embrace of all individuals, regardless of their identity.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Brandi-Carlile-Dolly-Parton-082626-0c842658161849cabf25439aa5017c9b.jpg)
In a moving tribute shared on Instagram, Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Carlile spoke candidly about her admiration for Parton, noting her bravery in supporting the LGBTQ+ community. Carlile pointed out that Parton made a choice to stand with the community at a time when doing so was not universally accepted. “Before I met her, I loved her because she took a risk and accepted me (and all of us) for being gay in a time where she didn’t need to say anything,” Carlile expressed. This unwavering acceptance, she added, was a hallmark of Parton’s character throughout her career.
The duo’s relationship went beyond admiration; they became friends and collaborated musically, with highlights including their joint performance at the Newport Folk Festival in 2019. Here, they enchanted audiences with a rendition of Parton’s iconic song “I Will Always Love You.” For Carlile, the musical partnership was only a part of what endeared Parton to her.
Carlile characterised Parton as a unique figure who possessed the remarkable ability to make everyone feel included. “Dolly had a way of deeply belonging to every one of us, and yet somehow still not being of this world,” she remarked, suggesting that there are few others in history who have radiated such positivity and love.
The singer also recalled an unforgettable moment when she witnessed Parton perform at the Glastonbury Festival in 2014. Carlile vividly remembers the atmosphere, particularly when Parton concluded her set by requesting an “amen” from the audience, resulting in an enthusiastic response from the British crowd. “The sound of two hundred thousand immediate British ‘AMENS’ is something that causes me to burst into American hysterics at least once a week!” she said, highlighting the joyful impact of that day.
Carlile’s personal connection with Parton deepened with shared moments of vulnerability, including a memorable occasion when Parton prayed for her. “She took my face in her hands and prayed over me once. I’ve never been the same since,” Carlile reflected. The prayer, which she described as powerful and transformative, left a lasting impression on her life, reinforcing the spiritual guidance Parton was known to offer.
In the wake of Parton’s passing, Carlile expressed a sense of premonition about the loss, sharing how she had been singing Parton’s “Coat of Many Colors” and asking friends to keep her in their thoughts during the days leading up to the singer’s death. The emotional weight of such a loss was palpable in her words, suggesting that her connection with Parton extended far beyond their professional collaborations.
The pair also joined forces earlier this year on Parton’s rock album, titled Rockstar, which included a powerful rendition of The Rolling Stones’ classic, “Satisfaction.” Originally, Parton had hoped to team up with Mick Jagger for the track, but when their schedules failed to align, she decided to harness female rock talent instead. Carlile’s participation in this project illustrated the depth of their creative bond and the legacy they were building together.
As Carlile mourns the loss of a beloved friend and mentor, she emphasised that Parton’s impact was not merely measured by their shared songs but by the love and kindness she extended throughout her life. “I loved Dolly with all my heart,” Carlile concluded, capturing the essence of what it meant to know a woman who was, in many ways, a beacon of hope and acceptance for countless individuals.