Hollywood actress Anne Hathaway has paid a moving tribute to the late country music legend Dolly Parton, sharing a poignant candle memory on Instagram and calling on fans worldwide to honour Parton's legacy by donating to her Imagination Library charity.

The Tribute Post

Hathaway shared a photograph of a candle bearing Parton's image — a gift she had received from actress Maisy Stella over two years prior. In her caption, she revealed she had lit the candle on 29 July 2026, a moment she described as spiritually significant in hindsight.

'This is not a photo from yesterday: this is from July 29th, 2026 when I charged full moon/Jupiter water and felt moved to finally light the Dolly candle that precious Maisy Stella had given me… over two years ago,' Hathaway wrote.

She added: 'It could be a coincidence, but given how Dolly's magic was truly out of this world, it feels very special to me. Now let's all double down on rhinestones, radiance and reading: please consider donating to the @imaginationlibrary in memory of our Beloved Queen Dolly.'

Dolly Parton's Passing

Dubbed the 'Queen of Country', Dolly Parton passed away on Tuesday at the age of 80 after a brief battle with cancer. The news was confirmed by her nephew Bryan Seaver, who also served as her head of security, in a video posted to Parton's own Instagram page.

Parton's death marks the end of a career that spanned more than six decades and redefined American country music. This is among the most significant losses the genre has seen in a generation.

A Career of Historic Proportions

Parton was one of the most decorated country performers in history, earning eleven Grammy Awards and three Emmy Awards, along with nominations for two Academy Awards, six Golden Globes, and a Tony Award. With over 100 million records sold, she ranks among the best-selling music artists of all time.

Beyond music, Parton built a formidable career as an actress, producer, and entrepreneur. Her philanthropic work — particularly the Imagination Library, which gifts books to children from birth to school age — earned her widespread admiration that extended far beyond the entertainment world.

A Legacy Beyond Music

Parton's combination of extraordinary talent, self-deprecating humour, sharp business acumen, and genuine generosity cemented her status as an enduring cultural icon. Hathaway's tribute is one of many pouring in from across the entertainment industry, reflecting the breadth of Parton's reach and influence.

As tributes continue to mount globally, Parton's Imagination Library remains open for donations — a cause she championed as her most personal legacy.