Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman honor Dolly Parton's legacy at 'Practical Magic 2' premiere

LONDON, ENGLAND: Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman paid a heartfelt tribute to Dolly Parton during the London premiere of ‘Practical Magic 2’, remembering personal anecdotes and her lasting legacy.

Parton's representatives confirmed that she had been facing cancer, though the specific type was not disclosed at the time of her death. Her passing marked the loss of one of the most recognizable and influential figures in American entertainment after a career spanning more than six decades.

Sandra Bullock remembers Dolly Parton’s joy and kindness

Reflecting on Parton’s character, Bullock said, “I've never met anyone that embodied joy. She was honorable, she was honest, she was kind. She was a whole litany of things.”

She added, “But she lived a life of joy and gratitude. And I said it earlier, I said, I don't think people realize what we had and now that she's no longer with us in body, hopefully we will start living by her example because there's no one else like her. Nobody, nobody.”

Bullock also opened up about working with Parton on 'Miss Congeniality 2: Armed and Fabulous', in which Parton played herself. The 2005 comedy features a scene where Bullock’s character Gracie tackles Parton, mistaking the country music legend for a lookalike.

Bullock recalled how she used to avoid flying and traveled by tour bus, sleeping on the bus. When Parton came to Las Vegas, she pulled her tour bus next to Bullock’s, which Bullock believed was pink, and decided to stay there instead of using a hotel room.

She asked where Parton planned to do her hair and makeup, and Parton replied that she would do it on the bus. When Parton also said she would sleep on the bus, Bullock decided to stay there as well. “So she and I slept side-by-side on the bus,” Bullock said.

“She’s here. She sprinkles everywhere,” she added, saying, “She’s not going anywhere.” When ‘Miss Congeniality 2’ reached theaters, Bullock also jokingly described the experience of straddling Parton to the BBC. 

Nicole Kidman and Dolly Parton’s enduring legacy

Kidman also remembered Parton as a genuine and philanthropic person, while praising her artistry and songwriting. “What a woman and what a person who came from nothing and built herself,” Kidman said, adding that everything Parton did was extraordinary and that she would be missed.

Kidman also reflected on the lasting power of Parton’s artistic contributions, saying that great art would allow Parton to remain with people forever. She noted that listeners could play Parton’s songs and feel as though “she’s right there with you.”

Parton’s death was announced on her official Instagram through a video from her nephew Bryan Seaver on behalf of the Parton family. The family’s official obituary described her as an inspiration through her music, songwriting, wit, warmth and kindness, while highlighting her love, compassion, resilience and philanthropic work.

Parton’s health issues had become headlines in fall 2025 after she announced she could not proceed with a six-show December residency at Las Vegas’ Caesars Palace. She wrote that she had been dealing with health challenges and that doctors had told her she needed a few procedures.

In mid-August, Parton also said she would not be able to attend a Dollywood appearance because she was suffering from dehydration and dizziness. She wrote, “My Nashville doctor has kinda clipped my wings, saying, ‘You ain’t traveling this week.’”