New York City joined the world in mourning country music legend Dolly Parton on Tuesday, with the Empire State Building marking her passing in unmistakable style. The beloved singer-actress, who had privately battled cancer, died on August 25 at age 80, prompting an outpouring of grief from fans, fellow musicians and public figures alike.
Empire State Building turns pink in honour of Dolly Parton
Among the standout tributes was the Empire State Building itself, which bathed its tower in a pink sparkle in honour of the “I Will Always Love You” hitmaker. In its social media tribute, the landmark called Parton a global cultural icon whose seven-decade career touched generations of fans, adding that her philanthropic legacy through the Dollywood Foundation and Imagination Library had put hundreds of millions of books into children’s hands worldwide.
Why 9:25 pm was no accident
The timing of the lighting carried a deliberate touch of Parton’s own humour and legacy. The Empire State Building Observation Deck said the hour was chosen as a nod to Parton’s hit song “9 to 5,” written for the 1980 film of the same name that starred Parton alongside Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin. The lights stayed lit from 9:25 pm to 10:25 pm.
Following a city tradition
Lighting up for Dolly Parton continues a practice the skyscraper has followed for years, using its tower lights to mark cultural moments, causes and the passing of beloved public figures. Her tribute joins a growing list of entertainers and public figures honoured on the Manhattan landmark. The reaction wasn’t limited to the building alone; elected officials and public figures across the city were among the first to publicly express condolences as news of her death spread, including New York’s mayor and senator.
Tributes pour in from Hollywood and Nashville
Parton’s ‘9 to 5’ co-stars Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda led an outpouring of personal tributes, alongside condolences from fellow music icons. Her family confirmed she died peacefully in Nashville following a brief and previously undisclosed cancer battle, with reports indicating she will be laid to rest beside her late husband, Carl Dean.
Broadway musical set to go on
Even as tributes continued, focus also shifted to Parton’s Broadway project, ‘Dolly: A True Original Musical’, which chronicles her life story. Producers confirmed previews will begin as scheduled on December 7 at the St. James Theatre, stating the show would proceed as Parton herself had wished. Its official opening night stays fixed for January 19, the date that would have been Parton’s 81st birthday.
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