Johnny Cash's son on his father's special relationship with Dolly Parton

Sir Paul McCartney, Oprah Winfrey, and Sir Elton John were among the many prominent figures who paid tribute to country music icon Dolly Parton following her death at the age of 80. The Beatles legend called Parton a "magnificent star," Oprah Winfrey described her as the one who "brought the light," while Elton John referred to her as a "giant of an artist who was irreplaceable."

Parton passed away on Tuesday after battling health issues, which led to the cancellation of her Las Vegas residency earlier in the year. Her death has sparked an outpouring of tributes from world leaders and musicians across various genres, praising her not only for her award-winning career but also for her philanthropy and humble nature.

McCartney shared his history with Parton, which began when he met her at the Grande Ole Opry before she started her solo musical career. He described her as "bubbly and full of life," and expressed his shock and devastation upon hearing the news of her passing. He emphasized her unparalleled songwriting, singing, and philanthropy in country music and the difficulty of imagining a world without her.

Oprah Winfrey also shared her fondest memory with Parton, recounting a "hoot and a holler" while wearing Bob Mackie gowns on her talk show. She described Parton as a "giant of an artist who was unique and irreplaceable" with a "kindest heart." Winfrey added that Parton dreamed a life and then lived a life bigger than she could have ever imagined, giving generously to others.

Former talk-show host Winfrey was not the only one who shared personal stories about Parton's impact on their lives. Other celebrities, including Reba McEntire, Eminem, Melissa Etheridge, Rod Stewart, Mick Jagger, Cyndi Lauper, and Gloria Estefan, also paid tribute to Parton, sharing how she touched their lives and the world as a whole.