Reese Witherspoon shares teary video as she praises supportive Dolly Parton
Reese Witherspoon has praised the late Dolly Parton for being a huge source of "encouragement and support" throughout her career and admitted she feels "lucky" they were friends.
Reese Witherspoon has praised the late Dolly Parton for being a huge source of "encouragement and support" throughout her career.
The Legally Blonde actress took to Instagram hours after the country legend's family announced on Tuesday (25.08.26) that she had passed away at the age of 80, and recalled how the Jolene hitmaker helped inspire her Oscar-winning performance in 2005's Walk the Line.
Reese wrote on Instagram: "I count my lucky stars that I called Dolly my friend. When I was playing June Carter Cash in Walk the Line, she took me to dinner and told me stories of how June Carter charmed everyone in country music.
"Dolly gave me the courage to put my whole spirit into that performance and made me see how lucky I was to be a storyteller. Throughout my entire career, she sent me little notes of encouragement and support, telling me to be the light in people’s lives and listen to my angels. Always signed: “I will always love you.” [butterfly emoji].
"Dolly, I miss you already. Your talent, your wisdom and your beautiful spirit lit up our lives. Go soar with your angels…. We will always love you. [heart emoji] (sic)"
Reese's message was accompanied by a video of her tearful interaction with Dolly on her 2018 talk series Shine On with Reese.
In the clip, the 50-year-old actress told the 9 to 5 star had had grown up wanted to be like her.
She added: “You’ve inspired me so much."
Dolly replied: “Don’t be like me, be like you."
The Morning Show actress tearfully responded: “You do inspire me and I think you inspire so many people out there with your positivity. The warmth and kindness comes off of you because it’s real.”
Dolly's death was announced in a video message from her nephew, Bryan Seaver, and her representatives later confirmed she had been battling cancer.
Her representatives said in a statement: “Our beloved Dolly Parton spent her life and career bringing joy, laughter, hope and integrity into everything she touched. Her unmatched generosity reached the lives of countless people whom she would never meet, yet she was always there to offer a helping hand.
“Whether it be the hundreds of millions of books donated through her invaluable Imagination Library or funding research that helped create a lifesaving vaccine used around the world, Dolly’s unconditional love for all people was the guiding force for her lasting impact.
"After bravely facing a brief battle with cancer, Dolly departed her Earthly life today at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center surrounded by loved ones."
