What Dolly Parton meant to New York: Fans remember iconic country music legend following her death at 80

Dolly Parton, the country music legend, humanitarian and globally unifying figure who died Tuesday at the age of 80, shared a special connection with New York that spanned decades and inspired generations of fans. 

Known for her songs, “Jolene,” “I Will Always Love You,” and “9 to 5,” Parton was born in Locust Ridge, TN, near the Great Smoky Mountains, but the 5-foot-tall, larger-than-life force of nature made a curvy blonde impact in America's biggest city.

In 1978, Parton played a free, lunchtime concert in front of City Hall ahead of a sold-out show at the Palladium. Standing on the steps of City Hall, with Parton in a delicate pink and white floral dress, Mayor Ed Koch awarded her a key to the city. Photos of the time even showed Mayor Koch planting a kiss on the singer’s cheek.

Parton even kept a part-time apartment on 5th Avenue in the 1980s, was a regular on late-night talk shows such as "Late Show with David Letterman" at the Ed Sullivan Theater in Midtown, and performed at some of the city’s most iconic venues such as Madison Square Garden and NYC’s Bottom Line.

But more than great music, celebrity, fashion or even entertainment, Parton was an inspiration. Her story of growing up poor, facing the cruelty of a world that didn’t value women and learning to find and accept herself and others anyway resonated with people everywhere, inspiring them to “Shine On” no matter what others said or thought. [caption id="attachment_137866130" align="alignnone" width="700"] Dolly Parton performs at the 37th Annual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in Los Angeles, California, U.S., November 6, 2022.Photo:REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni[/caption]

Although Parton’s big hair, affinity for rhinestones and over-the-top personality may have seemed a caricature to some, those who had met her told amNewYork that Parton was genuine, through and through.

Angelo Iodice grew up in the Bronx, but found himself working as a trick rider for Dolly Parton’s Stampede dinner theater in Branson, MO, in the 90s.

He said that while logically, everyone dies, it was hard to imagine the rules applying to a figure like Parton.

“I thought she would live forever, Iodice said. “I normally don't care when I hear about celebrities or public figures passing, but it is really sad.”

He said he met the singer several times during his employment and was struck by how she went to great lengths to make sure the staff knew that she appreciated and respected them. Iodice described a particular experience when Parton visited and stayed all day, hours and hours of standing around in heels and rhinestones to take photos with the entire staff.

Toward the end of the day, Iodice said the photographer became frustrated, impatient and a bit rude toward staff members, when Parton stopped the photo shoot and put him in his place.

“‘ I suggest that you take a deep breath, take our photo, and make sure we all look good,’" Iodice remembered Parton saying. “And then she said, "’Smile, y'all!’"

That down-to-earth attitude was something that gave her universal appeal, so much so that local radio producer Jad Abumrad with WNYC wanted to study it. In 2019, Abumrad began exploring Parton’s diverse fanbase through “Dolly Parton’s America,” highlighting the many people who love the iconic country queen, from across the political spectrum.

Those who've experienced a Dolly Parton concert can attest to the unique ecosystem of fans — a politically neutral zone where Republicans can stand beside democratic socialists in unity and belt out country songs from the 70s.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani mourned the singer, who was known for music celebrating working-class Americans over social media.

"This is truly heartbreaking," Mamdani said in a social media post. "Dolly Parton was an extraordinary person and an irreplaceable champion of the working class. We are a better country because of her."

Broadway planned on celebrating Parton's 81st birthday with a new musical, DOLLY: A True Original Musical based on her life, featuring new songs Parton had written for the stage performance along with classic hits. The show was set to premiere on her birthday, Jan. 19, 2027, with previews beginning in December. The producers declined interviews at this "devastating" time.

"As was Dolly’s wish, the Broadway production of DOLLY: A True Original Musical will begin previews Dec. 7 at the St. James Theatre in New York City," a spokesperson for the production said.

In announcing her death Tuesday, Parton’s nephew, Bryan Seaver reassured her fans that she had moved on to meet her family in the afterlife.

“Sadness lies with us, not with Dolly,” Seaver said, announcing her death. “Dolly has lived in the light.”