Parton died on Aug. 25 at age 80
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/katy-perry-dolly-1-9055bebc05d742e0965ad8479512e6ae.jpg "Dolly Parton and Katy Perry smiling and embracing at an event")
Credit: Christopher Polk/Getty
NEED TO KNOW
- Katy Perry honored Dolly Parton during a performance in Mexico, praising her kindness and unique qualities
- Perry shared heartfelt memories of Parton, calling her an inspiring example of defying stereotypes for decades
- Parton died on Aug. 25 after a “brief battle with cancer”
Katy Perry is honoring Dolly Parton‘s unique qualities.
After the news broke that the Queen of Country died on Tuesday, Aug. 25, Perry took the stage at the National Fair of San Luis Potosí, Mexico, and paid tribute to the singer in a lighthearted manner before turning serious.
“She had both big boobs, big brains and a big voice in one body,” Perry, 41, said on stage, according to a fan-recorded video posted on TikTok. “And on top of that, the biggest thing that she did was that she was constantly kind. She was kind to everyone.”
The “Firework” singer continued, “It is not always easy if you’re in the spotlight for decades and decades and decades. So I just want to send a little love to Miss Dolly Parton. If you haven’t discovered her music, you should really check it out.”
On Instagram, Perry shared a lengthy tribute alongside several sweet photos and videos with Parton. In the caption section, the singer said her heart “sank” when she found out the tragic news.
“For me, she was an example of a woman who defied the stereotypes for decades. She proved that big boobs, big brains, and a big voice can all exist in one tiny body! But the biggest thing about her by far was her heart,” Perry said. “I had the honor of meeting and singing with her several times. Every time I saw Dolly, she was a pure, sweet (but not saccharine) sassy, cup of joy.”
The singer-songwriter concluded her message by noting that if there was anyone to model one’s life after, it was Parton.
“Dolly was glam, funny, and kind as f—. Her star will forever shine bright and I bet you she’s already remodeling them pearly gates with rhinestones. We will always love you Dolly,” she wrote.
One day later, at the premiere for her concert film Katy Perry: The Lifetimes Tour — Live from Paris in Los Angeles, the “Teenage Dream” singer shared memories with Parton and said she was “such a light.”
“Her light ripples and will forever ripple… I got to spend some time with her and she was always so wickedly funny. It was amazing. It didn’t seem that she ever had a bad day and if anything she would just make a little joke about it,” she said. “She was an earth angel. I think her legacy is one to follow and look up to forever and I think it’s just going to continue to expand. I think everyone should emulate her. She’s the bar.”
Parton died at age 80 and the news was announced by her nephew, Bryan Seaver, on Aug. 25. Later that day, reps for the “9 to 5” singer told PEOPLE in a statement that she died after a “brief battle with cancer.” The type of cancer was not disclosed.
