Eminem has paid an emotional tribute to country music legend Dolly Parton following her death at the age of 80, sharing a personal note she sent him years ago and reflecting on the impact her words had on him.
Parton died on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, following a brief battle with cancer. Her death brought an outpouring of tributes from artists, entertainers and public figures around the world, with many celebrating her extraordinary six-decade career, songwriting legacy and philanthropic work.
Among those remembering the country icon was Eminem, who revealed a previously private connection between the two artists.
The rapper, whose real name is Marshall Mathers, shared a screenshot of a note Parton had sent him after his induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2022. Parton was inducted into the Hall of Fame in the same year.
Although the two music stars came from very different musical backgrounds, Parton's message showed the admiration she had for Eminem's artistry. She congratulated him on his induction and praised his performance, acknowledging that she was not particularly familiar with rap but had come to recognize his standing within the genre.
Parton also wrote about what she described as an “unexplained connection” to Eminem, expressing that she felt as though she somehow knew him despite the pair never having met in person. She had hoped to meet him at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame ceremony but said she missed the opportunity.
For Eminem, the unexpected gesture remained meaningful long after he received it.
In his tribute, he expressed regret that they never got the opportunity to meet personally and explained that receiving the note had a lasting effect on him. He described Parton as an icon and a superstar, emphasizing the significance of her kindness despite their different musical worlds.
The exchange highlighted the remarkable reach of Parton's influence. While she became one of country music's most recognizable figures through songs including “Jolene,” “9 to 5” and “I Will Always Love You,” her influence extended far beyond country music. Her work earned her numerous major awards while her philanthropic efforts, particularly through the Dollywood Foundation's Imagination Library, made her a widely respected figure outside entertainment.
Parton's career spanned roughly six decades, during which she established herself as a singer, songwriter, actress, entrepreneur and philanthropist. She also built a lasting cultural legacy through projects including Dollywood and her children's literacy initiative.
Her death has since prompted tributes from major names across music and entertainment, including Paul McCartney, Taylor Swift, Miley Cyrus, Reba McEntire and Kacey Musgraves.
For Eminem, however, Parton's passing also brought back a much more personal memory: a handwritten message from a legendary artist who took the time to recognize his talent and tell him that he was special.
Their paths never crossed in person, but Parton's words clearly left an impression on Eminem — making the rapper's tribute an especially poignant reflection on the lasting impact of the late country icon.
Dolly Parton was 80.
