The Tejano and Música Mexicana community is mourning the loss of one of music’s most beloved and influential figures, Dolly Parton, who died Tuesday, Aug. 25, at age 80.
Parton, the legendary singer-songwriter, actress, philanthropist and businesswoman whose career spanned more than six decades, died in Nashville following a brief battle with cancer, according to a statement from her representatives. She died at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center surrounded by loved ones. Her nephew, Bryan Seaver, announced her passing in a video shared on social media.
News of Parton’s death quickly sent shockwaves throughout the music world, with artists from virtually every genre taking to social media to celebrate the life and legacy of the woman behind such timeless songs as “Jolene,” “9 to 5” and “I Will Always Love You.”
Among those paying tribute were several prominent Tejano and Música Mexicana artists who reflected on what Parton meant to them personally and professionally.
La Mafia: “Your smile and kind heart for others will never be forgotten”
Multiple Grammy-winning Tejano supergroup La Mafia shared a heartfelt message following the news of Parton’s passing.
“Dolly Parton your smile and kind heart for others will never be forgotten,” the group wrote.
For generations of musicians, Parton represented far more than country music. Her songwriting, distinctive voice, entrepreneurial spirit and willingness to cross musical and cultural boundaries helped make her an international icon.
Shelly Lares remembers a hero — “not only because of the artist and songwriter you were”
Tejano music legend Shelly Lares offered one of the most personal tributes, describing Parton as an inspiration not only as a musician and songwriter, but as a human being.
“My heart is so heavy today,” Lares wrote.
“As a woman, a musician, a songwriter and most importantly, simply a person who tries to live life to the fullest and lead with kindness Dolly Parton has always represented so much of what I admire.”
Lares said Parton’s legacy extends far beyond the music she created.
“We lost an extraordinary human being today leaving behind a legacy that reaches far beyond the music she gave us,” she wrote. “Her songs will live forever, but what has always touched me most was how she loved people.”
Lares recalled how Parton gave encouragement, made people laugh and demonstrated that enormous success did not have to come at the expense of kindness.
“She proved that you could become one of the biggest stars in the world and still never lose your heart,” Lares wrote.
The San Antonio connection made the tribute especially personal.
“If you’ve ever been to my studio, you already know I’m a Dolly fan. She’s everywhere,” Lares shared. “I always wished I could have seen her in person or had the opportunity to meet her.”
Yet Lares said Parton somehow made fans feel as though they knew her.
“Through her music, her stories, her humor and the way she treated people, she made you feel like you did know her. Like you could call her a friend.”
Lares ended her emotional message by thanking Parton for demonstrating that success and kindness could — and should — go hand in hand.
“Dolly, you will always be one of my heroes, not only because of the artist and songwriter you were, but because of the human being you chose to be,” she wrote.
“Your rhinestones will never stop shining!!!”
Alicia Villarreal: “My greatest inspiration and my eternal icon”
Latin Grammy-winning Música Mexicana singer and actress Alicia Villarreal also shared a deeply personal tribute to Parton.
“There are people who leave an indelible mark on the world, and for me, that person will always be Dolly Parton,” Villarreal wrote.
She credited Parton’s music, authenticity and generosity with inspiring her throughout her own career.
“Her music, her big heart, and her authenticity shone like a light in my life, teaching me to always be true to myself,” Villarreal said.
“You were, are and will be my greatest inspiration and my eternal icon. You Are Flying So High.”
Villarreal’s tribute reflects the broad cultural reach of Parton’s work. Although firmly rooted in country music, Parton’s songs and personality crossed language, genre and national boundaries, connecting with audiences around the world.
Destiny Navaira: “DOLLY FOREVER”
Latin Grammy-nominated artist and two-time Tejano Music Awards Female Vocalist of the Year Destiny Navaira also remembered Parton as a singer and songwriter who inspired generations.
“A true singer/songwriter inspiration!” Navaira wrote.
“May you be with our Lord & Savior singing his praises! DOLLY FOREVER.”
A legacy far beyond country music
Parton’s influence was never limited to music.
She became a celebrated actress through films including 9 to 5, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas and Steel Magnolias, while her business ventures eventually made Dollywood one of Tennessee’s most recognizable destinations.
Her philanthropic legacy may be equally enduring. Through the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, she helped provide free books to children, while she also supported medical research and numerous charitable causes. Her career earned her multiple Grammy Awards and numerous other honors, including recognition for her humanitarian contributions.
That combination of extraordinary talent and generosity is a major reason her passing resonated so deeply with artists across genres.
For Tejano and Música Mexicana artists, Parton represented something familiar: an artist who understood the power of a great song, the importance of staying connected to her roots and the ability of music to bring people together.
Her songs have also lived countless lives through covers, reinterpretations and performances by artists around the world. “I Will Always Love You,” in particular, became one of the most enduring compositions of the modern era.
Parton’s representatives confirmed that a small, private service will be held for immediate family.
But the celebration of her life will undoubtedly continue through the music she left behind and the millions of people she inspired.
From Tejano legends to Música Mexicana stars, the message is clear: Dolly Parton belonged to everyone.
And as Shelly Lares so beautifully put it, “Your rhinestones will never stop shining.”
Rest in heavenly peace, Dolly. Your songs, your laughter, your kindness — and your unmistakable sparkle — will live forever.
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