Eminem pays tribute to Dolly Parton with never-before-seen note she sent him in 2022

Eminem shared a heartfelt note Dolly Parton once sent him after his Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction, following the news of her death at 80.

Beloved country icon and philanthropist Dolly Parton passed away on Tuesday, August 25, at the age of 80. 

Her nephew and head of security, Bryan Seaver, shared the news in a short video on Instagram, saying Dolly had personally asked him to be the one to break the news when the time came.

Dolly’s team followed with a statement describing her as someone whose warmth and kindness made people feel like family, calling her legacy one of love, compassion, and resilience built over a seven-decade career.

In the note, Dolly congratulated him on the honor, admitting she didn’t know much about rap music but had come to recognize him as the best at it. She went further, telling him she’d always felt an unexplained connection to him, like she somehow already knew him. 

She said she’d hoped to meet him at the ceremony but missed her chance, and closed by telling him to keep doing what he does, because he touches people in ways he doesn’t even realize.

Eminem posted the note on X, writing that he regretted never getting to meet her in person, but that her taking the time to write meant a lot. He called her an icon and a superstar in every sense, even for, in his words, “a kid who mostly listened to rap music.” 

He ended his post simply: “Rest easy Dolly.”