Eminem and Dolly Parton never met, but shared mutual admiration for each other’s craft. Following Parton’s death on August 25, Eminem shared a letter the country icon sent him after his induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2022.
“I’m sorry we never got a chance to meet, but getting this note from Dolly really had an impact on me,” Eminem wrote on social media. “She definitely didn’t have to take the time to do it. Even for a kid who mostly listened to rap music, she was an icon. A superstar in every sense. Rest easy Dolly.”
In her letter, Parton revealed she felt an unexplained connection to Eminem despite limited knowledge of hip-hop. “Congratulations on your induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame,” she wrote. “Your performance was amazing and everybody said so. Even though I don’t know a lot about rap music, I’ve come to know that you are the very best at it.”
Parton continued: “I have always felt some unexplained connection to you like I know you somehow. I had hoped to meet you at the show but you know how nuts those things are, personally I hate ’em and I missed my chance but maybe someday we’ll meet.”
Parton died in Nashville at age 80 after a brief battle with cancer. Her career spanned more than half a century, and she had cancelled numerous public appearances in 2025, including a Las Vegas residency, due to unspecified health issues.
Source: Billboard
