Eminem paid tribute to country legend Dolly Parton following her death at the age of 80 on Tuesday, revealing a private note she once sent him.
The rap icon, 53, spoke about the impact Parton – who had been battling cancer – had on him, despite them never meeting.
He also shared a congratulatory note she sent him after both he and Parton were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in November 2022.
The hip-hop mogul wrote in his caption, “I’m sorry we never met, but getting this note from Dolly really had an impact on me.”
‘She absolutely didn’t have to take the time to do it. Even for a kid who mainly listened to rap music, she was an icon. A superstar in every sense. Rest in peace Dolly. And thank you for the kind words.’
In her heartfelt letter, Parton wrote, “Marshall (Eminem), Congratulations on your induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Your performance was amazing and everyone said so.”
Eminem, 53, paid tribute to country legend Dolly Parton following her death at the age of 80 Tuesday, revealing a private note she once sent him; Eminem pictured in 2020
The rap icon opened up about the impact Parton had on him even though they never met; Parton pictured in 2022
“Even though I don’t know much about rap music, I found out that you’re the best at it,” the Jolene singer continued.
“Besides that, I hope what I have to say won’t seem weird or strange to you, but I’ve always felt an inexplicable connection to you, like I know you somehow.”
“I was hoping to meet you at the show, but you know how crazy those things are. Personally, I hate them and I missed my chance, but maybe we’ll meet one day.”
‘In the meantime, keep doing what you’re doing, because you’re doing it so well and no matter how complex your world is, know that you are very special and touch people in ways you don’t even know. With love and respect, Dolly Parton.”
Parton’s death was greeted with an outpouring of tributes, including from Reba McEntire, Maren Morris, Kacey Musgraves, Sarah Jessica Parker, Pedro Pascal, Khloe Kardashian, Hillary Clinton and more.
The star privately battled cancer before her death on Tuesday.
Her reps confirmed the country superstar’s death in a statement to People, sharing that the Jolene singer died after a “brief battle with cancer.”
They did not reveal what type of cancer it was.
“Our beloved Dolly Parton spent her life and career bringing joy, laughter, hope and integrity to everything she touched,” the statement said.
He shared a congratulatory note she sent him after both he and Parton were both inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in November 2022.
The hip-hop mogul wrote in his caption: ‘I’m sorry we never met but getting this note from Dolly really had an impact on me’
In her note, Parton said she had “hoped” to meet Eminem at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, but “missed” her chance; Seen during the ceremony
“I’ve always felt an inexplicable connection to you, like I know you somehow,” she added; Eminem pictured performing at the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony
“After bravely enduring a brief battle with cancer, Dolly departed her earthly life today at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, surrounded by loved ones.”
“Her unparalleled generosity touched the lives of countless people she would never meet, but she was always there to lend a helping hand,” the statement continued.
“Whether it is the hundreds of millions of books donated through her invaluable Imagination Library or funding the research that helped create a lifesaving vaccine used around the world, Dolly’s unconditional love for all people has been the guiding force for her lasting impact.”
The legendary country singer’s death was first confirmed Tuesday in an Instagram video posted by her cousin Bryan Seaver, who also acted as her head of security.
She died Tuesday morning after being admitted to Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville on Friday with autoimmune and kidney problems, according to TMZ.
Parton’s loved ones began running to Nashville when they heard news of her hospitalization, but not everyone was able to reach her while she was still alive.
“This video announcement is something Dolly asked of me years ago before I fully absorbed it as a future reality,” Seaver said.
He praised his aunt for “living in the light” and said she was now “in the arms of Jesus” and in the company of her late husband Carl Dean, as well as her parents and “countless others who have watched her and longed to meet her in heaven.”
Parton had privately battled cancer before her death on Tuesday; Pictured in 2025
Parton opened up about her late husband, Carl Thomas Dean, in her latest interview, admitting that she hadn’t paid attention to some of her health issues while caring for him.
The singer, often called the Queen of Country, enjoyed an illustrious music career that spanned no less than six decades
Her best-known hits are Jolene, 9 to 5 and I Will Always Love You
Often referred to as the Queen of Country, Parton enjoyed an illustrious music career that spanned six decades and was perhaps best known for her hits Jolene and 9 to 5.
Her death came after months of health problems, fueling fans’ fears for her well-being.
She withdrew from several public appearances, including a Las Vegas residency and the opening of a new attraction, NightFlight Expedition, at her Dollywood theme park.
The star was scheduled to attend the ride’s grand opening on August 14. Instead, a video recording of the star addressing her fans was shared on a screen in the park, which is now believed to be her final public appearance.
Last October, the hitmaker’s younger sister, Freida Parton, worried fans when she asked for prayers for Parton.
Hours later, however, Freida returned to Facebook with an update, sharing that she didn’t mean to “scare anyone” and adding that Parton was “a little confused.”
The singer died just over a year after her husband Carl, to whom she was married for almost sixty years.
