Dolly Parton’s music has touched generations of country artists, and following her death on August 25, 2026, heartfelt tributes have poured in from performers, celebrities, organizations and fans around the world.
Among the most moving came from John Foster, the country singer who became a fan favorite during the 2025 season of American Idol.
Rather than trying to find the perfect words to describe what Dolly meant to him, Foster reached for his acoustic guitar and performed one of her most iconic songs: “I Will Always Love You.”
The intimate performance quickly resonated with fans of both Foster and Parton, drawing more than 628,000 views on Instagram and over 2,000 comments praising his emotional rendition.
After Dolly Parton died on August 25, “American Idol” runner-up John Foster sang “I Will Always Love You” as a tribute. (Photo Credits: John Foster / Instagram & Ron Davis / Getty Images)
John Foster Turns to Dolly’s Own Words
Foster, who finished as the runner-up on American Idol Season 23 behind winner Jamal Roberts, has long been open about his admiration for country music.
After learning of Parton’s death at 80, he chose to honor her through a stripped-back acoustic performance of the song she originally wrote.
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Alongside the video, Foster explained why he struggled to put his feelings into words.
“There are so many things I’d like to say about how wonderful Dolly Parton was, what a gift she was to the genre that means so much to me, and what a gift she was to this country and this world, but I know that my words could never do her justice.”
Instead, he said, Parton had already expressed what he was feeling when she wrote “one of the best songs ever written.”
He ended his message with a simple farewell:
“We will always love you, Mrs. Dolly. Rest with our Jesus.”
The performance was met with an outpouring of praise, with viewers describing his version as “beautiful” and “wonderful” and saying it would have made Parton proud.
John Foster, Breanna Nix, and Jamal Roberts were the top three contestants on Season 23 of “American Idol.” They came in second, third, and first place, respectively. (Photo Credit: Christopher Willard / Disney via Getty Images)
Foster’s American Idol Journey
Foster rose to prominence during the 2025 season of American Idol, where his emotional performances helped make him one of the competition’s most memorable contestants.
He was particularly known for his original song “Tell That Angel I Love Her.”
At the Season 23 finale, Foster finished second, with Jamal Roberts taking first place and Breanna Nix finishing third.
His decision to honor Parton after her death with one of her signature songs was especially fitting given his connection to country music and his admiration for the legendary singer-songwriter.
Dolly Parton’s Legacy Lives On Through Her Music
Foster was far from the only artist to honor Parton following her death.
The country legend’s influence has been felt across generations, inspiring artists ranging from Reba McEntire to Lainey Wilson and countless others.
Her songs have also continued to take on new life through the artists who perform them.
“I Will Always Love You” is perhaps the clearest example. Parton wrote the song in 1973, and it became one of her signature recordings. Decades later, Whitney Houston’s version, featured in The Bodyguard, became a global phenomenon.
Actor Kevin Costner, who played a leading role in bringing the song into The Bodyguard, said he was left “breathless” by the news of Parton’s death.
Miley Cyrus Shares an Emotional Goodbye
One of the most personal tributes came from Miley Cyrus, Parton’s goddaughter.
Cyrus reflected on the profound loss while also promising to carry Parton’s memory forward.
“I will always love her and want to make her proud. My heart breaks for the world, her family and friends who will miss her deeply. We’re in this loss together and we will see her in all of the most beautiful things.”
The message offered a glimpse into the close bond between the two performers, who shared both a personal relationship and a deep musical connection.
Dolly’s Family Remembers Her
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Parton’s family has also been remembering the country icon privately and publicly.
Dolly was one of 12 children, with 11 brothers and sisters in total. Six of her siblings are still living, including her younger sister Stella Parton.
Two days after Dolly’s death, Stella shared her own tribute, focusing not only on her sister’s extraordinary career but also on the generosity and kindness that defined her life.
“My sister was always thinking of others, and if you want to honor her legacy, show more kindness, lift up others, and give more of your time and resources, as she continued to do to the very end.”
Her words reflected a theme that has appeared repeatedly in tributes to Dolly: her legacy was about far more than her music.
A Lasting Farewell to a Country Icon
Dolly Parton’s death on August 25 has left the country music community and millions of fans mourning one of the genre’s most influential figures.
For more than six decades, she built a career as a singer, songwriter, performer and philanthropist while creating music that crossed generations and genres.
Now, artists like John Foster are turning to those songs to express a loss that words alone cannot capture.
His quiet acoustic performance of “I Will Always Love You” offered a particularly poignant farewell — allowing Dolly’s own words and melody to say what so many fans are feeling:
We will always love you, Dolly.