Dolly Parton’s death on Tuesday, Aug. 25, prompted immediate reactions from several of Detroit’s most visible music figures, underscoring the country singer’s broad influence across genres and generations.
Local artists recall personal moments and public influence
Detroit-born rapper Eminem posted a personal remembrance on his social channels, writing: "Even for a kid who mostly listened to rap music, she was an icon," and calling Parton "A superstar in every sense. Rest easy Dolly." Eminem also shared a cherished memento from Parton — a congratulatory note she sent after the pair were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2022.
Motown legend Martha Reeves, who said she had met Parton only once, described her in a short statement that reflected admiration across styles and eras:
"She was an incredible songwriter, performer and a true humanitarian. There will NEVER be another like her."
Jack White — whose early career with the White Stripes frequently included covers of Parton’s signature song "Jolene" — performed the tune during a concert in London on Tuesday night. According to social posts, it was White’s first public rendition of the song in nearly two decades. White captioned an Instagram post about Parton "Instant Sainthood," and Third Man Records, his label, issued a statement recalling Parton’s philanthropic projects, including the Imagination Library.
Cross-genre bonds and cultural legacy
Kid Rock, who now lives in Nashville and maintains ties to Detroit, shared a video message he had recently received from Parton during a mutual birthday weekend. The clip included a warm, conversational exchange — Parton told Rock, "Hope you're having as much fun as I'm hoping to have." In his tribute, Kid Rock called Parton "Quite simply The G.O.A..." in a post that reflected both familiarity and reverence.
Those reactions from Detroit artists reflected two recurring themes in public statements about Parton: a recognition of her songwriting and performing career, and appreciation for her years of philanthropy. Third Man Records’ note emphasized Parton’s giving and her global children's book program, the Imagination Library, crediting her with "a lifetime of giving back and making the world a little brighter."
- Eminem recalled a personal note from Parton tied to their simultaneous Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction in 2022.
- Jack White performed "Jolene" live for the first time in nearly 20 years at a London show and paid tribute on social media.
- Martha Reeves and other Motown figures expressed admiration for Parton’s songwriting and humanitarian work.
What Detroit fans may take away
For Detroit music fans, the responses from homegrown and Motown artists highlighted how Parton’s work crossed musical boundaries and personal connections. From rap stages to garage-rock sets and Motown-era halls, Parton’s songs and her public persona resonated with artists who do not share her country-music roots.
| Detroit figure | Notable reaction |
|---|---|
| Eminem | Called Parton an "icon" and shared a personal congratulatory note she sent in 2022. |
| Jack White | Performed "Jolene" in London; labeled Parton "Instant Sainthood." |
| Martha Reeves | Praised Parton as an "incredible songwriter, performer and a true humanitarian." |
| Kid Rock | Shared a birthday-weekend clip from Parton and offered tribute online. |
As tributes continue nationwide, Detroit’s musical community joined a larger chorus recalling Parton’s career and charitable work. For many local fans, the immediate social-media responses from familiar Detroit names offered a personal lens on a public figure whose influence reached well beyond her country-music beginnings.
(Reporting for WE NEWS.)
