Lawmakers across the aisle pay tribute to Dolly Parton: ‘A true national treasure’

The death of Dolly Parton is uniting lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, with an outpouring from Democrats and Republicans alike mourning the loss of the “true national treasure.”

The country music singer and songwriter died at 80 in Nashville, Tenn., Tuesday.

“Dolly Parton was loved in every corner of our nation,” Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) said in a social platform X post shortly after news of the music legend’s death broke.

“All of America is mourning this monumental loss. We love you, Dolly,” Schumer said, calling the Imagination Library founder a “force for good.”

“America has lost a true national treasure,” Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) said.

“Parton’s unmistakable voice, joyful spirit, and remarkable generosity touched generations of Americans and many others around the world. From the mountains of Tennessee to stages across the globe, she never forgot where she came from, and she used her extraordinary success to lift up countless others,” Johnson said.

Parton, Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) said, was “Americana personified!”

“World famous and self-deprecating at the same time. We will never see another like her. What a life, what an example!” Wicker said .

Rep. Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.) called the Volunteer State-born entertainer the “ greatest representative of Tennessee ever.”

“Not just from her musical talents and her philanthropy, but from her big heart and amazing grace. She made us all proud,” Cohen said.

“Rest in Peace, Dolly — you were truly an American Icon,” Sen. Ashley Moody (R-Fla.) wrote on social media . “You will be dearly missed.”

“I join every American in mourning the incredibly sad news that Dolly Parton has passed away,” Sen. Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) said.

“Dolly was a music icon who inspired so many people and always gave back to her community, from supporting children’s literacy through her Imagination Library to helping end the COVID pandemic through her donation for vaccine research,” Rosen said .

Parton, the House Republican conference said on X , “was an American icon. A legendary artist, a generous philanthropist, and a proud daughter of Tennessee whose music and spirit touched generations of Americans.”

“This is devastating news,” Rep. Rebecca Balint (D-Vt.) said.

“Yes, Dolly was an legendary songwriter, but she was also a ray of sunshine for all and a true community servant that brought people together from all walks of life,” Balint said .

“Today, Tennessee lost one of our greatest ambassadors in Dolly Parton,” Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.) said.

“Her music inspired generations of Americans, and her philanthropic work helped provide greater access to education for countless young Tennesseans,” the congressman said.

“She represented the very best of the American Dream,” Burchett said , “and her legacy will live on for generations to come.”