The Cabaret star recalled Parton as a supportive and caring friend, particularly during difficult moments in her life
Liza Minnelli has paid an emotional tribute to her longtime friend Dolly Parton following the country music icon’s death at the age of 80.
Minnelli shared her tribute on Instagram, describing Parton’s death as “devastating for so many reasons” and reflecting on the friendship they developed over the years.
The Cabaret star recalled Parton as a supportive and caring friend, particularly during difficult moments in her life. She also remembered the conversations and meals they shared, offering a glimpse into a friendship that extended beyond their careers.
Minnelli and Parton’s friendship was strengthened through their mutual connections to former talent agent Sam Haskell and musician Michael Feinstein. The pair eventually worked together on Feinstein’s 2022 album Gershwin Country, contributing to a musical collaboration that Minnelli remembered fondly.
“How do I put into words what my heart is feeling?” Minnelli wrote in her tribute, expressing the difficulty of processing Parton’s death.
Parton died at the age of 80 following a brief battle with cancer. Her death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from fellow musicians, actors and other figures who worked with or knew the legendary performer.
Parton’s legacy has also been celebrated on screen. Two of her best-known films, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas and Steel Magnolias, have returned to cinemas following her death, giving audiences an opportunity to revisit some of her most memorable performances.
For Minnelli, however, the loss was deeply personal. Her tribute focused less on Parton’s extraordinary career and more on the friendship they shared, remembering a woman whose warmth and generosity left a lasting impression on those around her.
As tributes continue to pour in, Minnelli’s message offers another intimate glimpse at the woman behind Parton’s global fame and enduring status as one of entertainment’s most beloved figures.
