Jane Fonda shares special message for Dolly Parton’s LGBTQ+ fans in heartfelt tribute

Jane Fonda praised Dolly Parton’s 'survivor’s instinct' and called her 'the voluptuous embodiment of empathy' in her tribute
Jane Fonda urged Dolly Parton’s LGBTQ+ fans to celebrate her life, saying she loved them and did not want them to mourn (Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
Jane Fonda urged Dolly Parton’s LGBTQ+ fans to celebrate her life, saying she loved them and did not want them to mourn (Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Jane Fonda has expressed her devastation over the death of global icon Dolly Parton, who died at the age of 80. She also mentioned the actress’ LGBTQ+ fans in her lengthy message.

Parton breathed her last on Tuesday, August 25, and, according to her representatives, she died “after bravely facing a brief battle with cancer.”

During her final hours, she was “surrounded by loved ones” at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center. As news of the tragedy spread, tributes began to pour in for Parton.

Jane Fonda remembers Dolly Parton’s lasting legacy

Fonda took to her Instagram page, where she posted an old photo of herself with the legendary musician.

She wrote, “I just learned that Dolly has moved on. I know that millions are mourning and I want to say this – more than anyone I have ever known, Dolly will always be with us because she was so present, so powerful, so generous and playful that she is woven into all our lives and hearts forever.”

Jane Fonda calls Dolly Parton ‘voluptuous embodiment’

The 88-year-old actress then went on to mention Parton’s “songs, Dollywood, '9to5,' the millions of books” and called them “blessings”.

Calling the ‘I Will Always Love You’ hitmaker “a naughty, playful southern gal from the hollows of Tennessee,” Fonda stated, “She was many things…lyricist, songstress, player of many instruments, writer, prankster, visionary, loyal friend, who’d never go to bed before she and her friends had laughed so hard they’d have to cross their legs.”

NEW YORK - MARCH 09: Dolly Parton visits Jane Fonda backstage on opening night of
Dolly Parton visits Jane Fonda backstage on opening night of '33 Variations' at The Eugene O'Neill Theater on March 9, 2009 in New York City (Bruce Glikas/FilmMagic)

The activist’s tribute further mentioned Parton’s “survivor’s instinct” as she praised her for always knowing “just what to do, just what to say, to make things right…and then she sticks her butt out the car window and moons Kenny Roger’s home.”

“She was the voluptuous embodiment of empathy. That’s something of hers she’d want us all to take with us,” Fonda asserted.

Jane Fonda urges Dolly Parton’s LGBTQ+ fans to celebrate

Concluding her statement, the ‘Barbarella’ star addressed Parton’s gay and trans fans, saying, “I want you to know that she loved you. She loved all her fans and they are legion. And you know she doesn’t want y’all to mourn now. Dress up and celebrate her spirit.”

FILE - Dolly Parton poses for a photo at her office in Nashville, Tenn., Aug. 11, 2005. (AP Photo/John Russell, File)
Dolly Parton poses for a photo at her office in Nashville, August 11, 2005 (AP Photo/John Russell, File)

“But first, watch the final episode of Grace and Frankie where she’s an Angel, the head honcho working class angel in Heaven. RIP, beautiful woman. We love you,” Fonda added.

GET BREAKING U.S. NEWS & POLITICAL UPDATES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

The giant hand featured red nails, visible veins, palm lines, her rings and a tattoo of Heidi Klum's husband Tom Kaulitz's name
2026-11-01T06:06:43.000Z
For the first Harryween show on October 30, Harry Styles paid tribute to the King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley
2026-11-01T05:38:47.000Z
Jeremy Saulnier said Patrick Stewart 'came out of nowhere' and 'swooped down and saved' the film
2026-11-01T04:18:03.000Z
Stylist Law Roach shared Zendaya’s Halloween tribute to Halle Berry, recreating her iconic yellow Lanvin outfit from the 2000 'X-Men' premiere
2026-11-01T03:48:54.000Z
The Prince and Princess of Wales surprised royal watchers on October 31 by posting a throwback photograph of their youngest son, Prince Louis, to celebrate the holiday
2026-11-01T03:01:59.000Z
Amy Yasbeck shared how she and John Ritter’s children kept his memory alive through family traditions, humor and shared moments
2026-11-01T02:41:37.000Z
Brooklyn Beckham defended Nicola Peltz against online criticism, declaring, 'Yea I am obsessed with my wife bring on the comments I don’t care she’s perfect'
2026-11-01T01:52:52.000Z
Wil Wheaton defended his late co-star's legacy, saying Patrick Stewart strongly opposed the White House official's views
2026-11-01T01:48:17.000Z
Styles also performed a cover of Stevie Wonder's ‘Isn’t She Lovely?’ the same song he used for his ‘X Factor’ audition nearly 26 years ago.
2026-10-31T09:56:19.000Z
Through the tribute, the Daytime Emmys celebrated the careers and enduring legacies of the stars who left a lasting mark on television
2026-10-31T06:58:01.000Z