Eminem shares Dolly Parton’s note detailing their ‘unexplained connection’ despite never meeting

Despite primarily listening to rap as a young person, Eminem described Dolly Parton as an 'icon' and 'a superstar in every sense'
Eminem paid tribute to Dolly Parton following the country music legend’s death at 80, sharing a heartfelt note she sent him after his 2022 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction (Getty Images, AP Photo/Andres Kudacki)
Eminem paid tribute to Dolly Parton following the country music legend’s death at 80, sharing a heartfelt note she sent him after his 2022 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction (Getty Images, AP Photo/Andres Kudacki)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Eminem has remembered Dolly Parton after her death. The rapper, in his tribute, revealed that the late icon sent him a letter after their 2022 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction, though they never met in person.

Eminem, real name Marshall Bruce Mathers III, and Parton were both inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame four years ago alongside Lionel Richie, Duran Duran, Pat Benatar, Eurythmics, and Carly Simon.

Eminem posts photo of note he received from Dolly Parton

Now, the 53-year-old record producer has revealed in an Instagram post that he received a congratulatory note from the ‘Jolene’ singer after the event.

It read, “Marshall (Eminem), Congratulations on your induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Your performance was amazing and everybody said so.”

Dolly Parton told Eminem that she 'always felt some unexplained connection to' him

“Even though I don’t know a lot about rap music, I’ve come to know that you are the very best at it. Aside from that I hope what I have to say will not seem weird or strange to you but I have always felt some unexplained connection to you like I know you somehow,” the legend had written. 

HOLLYWOOD, CA - JANUARY 30: (EDITORS NOTE: Image has been digitally retouched) Eminem a.k.a. Marshall Bruce Mathers III attends a ceremony honoring Curtis
Eminem a.k.a. Marshall Bruce Mathers III attends a ceremony honoring Curtis '50 Cent' Jackson with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on January 30, 2020 in Hollywood, California (Photo by Kurt Krieger/Corbis via Getty Images)

Parton’s message for Eminem also disclosed that she hoped to meet him in person “someday”.

“In the meantime, keep doing what you’re doing because you do it so well and no matter how complex your world may be just know you are very special and touch people in ways you don’t even know. With love & respect, Dolly Parton,” the country star added. 

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - JUNE 06: Dolly Parton speaks onstage during Kicking Off CMA Fest: A Special Conversation With Dolly Parton Hosted By Rachel Smith at Music City Center on June 06, 2024 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images)
Dolly Parton speaks onstage during Kicking Off CMA Fest: A Special Conversation With Dolly Parton Hosted By Rachel Smith at Music City Center on June 06, 2024 in Nashville, Tennessee (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images)

Eminem feels 'sorry' for never meeting Dolly Parton

But Parton could not meet the ‘Venom’ hitmaker before her death, as he mentioned in his tribute, “I’m sorry we never got a chance to meet, but getting this note from Dolly really had an impact on me.”

“She definitely didn’t have to take the time to do it.  Even for a kid who mostly listened to rap music, she was an icon,” Eminem wrote, before adding, “A superstar in every sense. Rest easy Dolly. And thank you for the kind words.”

Dolly Parton battled cancer before her death

Parton was 80 when she breathed her last on August 25. A statement from her team said, “After bravely facing a brief battle with cancer, Dolly departed her Earthly life today at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center surrounded by loved ones.”

Dolly Parton 1978  (Photo by Chris Walter/WireImage)
Dolly Parton 1978 (Photo by Chris Walter/WireImage)

The legend’s death was confirmed by her nephew, Bryan Seaver, also in a social media video.

Seaver said, “This video announcement is something Dolly asked of me years ago, before I fully absorbed it as a future reality,” before adding, “It is an honor, an honor that is mixed with absolute pride and great sadness. But sadness lies with us, not with Dolly. Dolly has lived in the light and is in the arms of Jesus.”

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