The death of country music icon Dolly Parton has prompted tributes from across the entertainment world, including an emotional message from legendary boxing promoter Don King.
Parton died Tuesday, Aug. 25, at the age of 80 in Nashville. TMZ reported Wednesday that Parton had been admitted to Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville early Friday morning with kidney and autoimmune issues. The outlet reported that her cause of death remained unclear.
King, 95, is one of boxing’s most recognizable promoters, having worked with heavyweight icons including Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson and George Foreman. He reacted to Parton’s death with a video shared through Don King Productions’ social media account, remembering Parton as a “dear friend” and offering a heartfelt goodbye.
“I love Dolly Parton. She was a dear friend,” King said. “She’d be greatly missed here on earth, but she’d be eternally remembered spiritually.”
Don King Shares Message for Dolly Parton
King then turned to his faith while reflecting on Parton’s death.
“The Lord give it and the Lord take it away. Blessed be the name of the Lord,” King said.
He closed the brief message with perhaps his most personal remark.
“Rest easy, Dolly, and keep a light in the window for me.”
The accompanying social media post echoed those words: “Rest in Peace Dolly, keep the light on for me! LOVE YOU!”
King’s tribute quickly drew attention online. The post had surpassed 724,000 views and 5,000 likes and growing.
King’s emotional farewell was one of many tributes shared following Parton’s death, with the Boxing Hall of Famer remembering the country music icon with a deeply personal message.
