Eminem has shared a heartfelt letter from Dolly Parton and regrets that they never met.
Eminem and Dolly Parton shared a mutual respect
The 53-year-old rapper has described the late country music legend, who passed away on Tuesday (25.08.26) aged 80, as “an icon” even for someone in the hip-hop world.
He wrote on X: “I’m sorry we never got a chance to meet, but getting this note from Dolly really had a 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. A superstar in every sense. Rest easy Dolly. And thank you for the kind words.”
Alongside his tribute, the Lose Yourself hitmaker – whose real name is Marshall Mathers – shared a letter Dolly sent him after they were both inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as part of the 2022 class alongside the likes of Carly Simon, Lionel Richie, the Eurythmics and more.
She wrote: “Marshall (Eminem),
“Congratulations on your induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Your performance was amazing and everybody said so.
“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 but I have always felt some unexplained connection to you like I know you somehow.”
Dolly revealed she wanted to get the chance to chat to Slim Shady at the ceremony, while admitting she used to “hate” the over the top, hectic nature of similar events.
She said: “I had hoped to meet you at the show but you know how nuts those things are, personally I hate ’em and I missed my chance but maybe someday we’ll meet.
“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 and respect, Dolly Parton”.
Dolly’s death was confirmed in a video message from her nephew Bryan Seaver, which he shared on her Instagram and X account.
He said: “My name is Bryan Seaver, son of Cassie Parton, and I’m representing the Parton and Owens family today announcing the passing of my aunt, Dolly Rebecca Parton Dean, Sister, Sis and Granny to one generation and Gigi to the next.
“This video announcement is something Dolly asked of me years ago, before I fully absorbed it as a future reality.
“As her head of security for more than two decades, a role my father Larry held before me, I have imagined the heaviness of this moment but haven’t truly felt it until now.
“It is an honour, an honour 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, surely met by Carl, her parents and countless others who have watched her and longed to meet her in the heavens.”
It has since been revealed by her rep that the 9 to 5 singer died after “bravely facing a brief battle with cancer”.
