Dolly Parton mourned by 9 To 5 co-workers Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin

Dolly Parton’s untimely death has released a wave of mourning throughout American culture. Perhaps the only person in the United States people could agree on, she’s also the only person whom the Democratic Socialists of America and President Donald Trump can grieve with the same, appropriate level of dignity. Again, the only person everyone could agree on. Adding to that, Parton’s death is likely the first time Trump echoed sentiments similar to those of Parton’s 9 To 5 co-stars Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin. Both Fonda and Tomlin offered somber words on social media, with Tomlin first offering, “No words,” before mustering the strength to offer a few, most of which were “Dolly.” On top of a photo of a young Parton, Tomlin wrote on X, “Friend. Songwriter. The Great Harmonizer of Humanity. Dolly. Dolly. Dolly. Forever Dolly.” 

Fonda, too, grieved publicly, posting a picture of her and Parton laughing it up over drinks on the set of 9 To 5. “I am devastated,” Fonda wrote on Instagram. “More than anyone I have ever known, Dolly will always be with us because she was so present, so powerful, so generous and playful that she is woven into all our lives and hearts forever. We have our memories of her, her songs, Dollywood, 9 To 5, the millions of books she got into the hands of children, all the iconic images that bring her to us. And they are all blessings. Let’s be grateful for all that she has left us to ease our sadness now.”