NYC's Empire State Building pays tribute to Dolly Parton with pink lights
New York City's Empire State Building paid tribute to music legend Dolly Parton Tuesday night.
Parton, 80, died Tuesday in Nashville, her family announced.
From 9:25 p.m. to 10:25 p.m. Tuesday, the Empire State Building's tower lights sparkled in pink in tribute to the icon.
It's just one of several tributes to Parton.
"This is truly heartbreaking. Dolly Parton was an extraordinary person and an irreplaceable champion of the working class. We are a better country because of her," New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani wrote on social media.
"Dolly Parton was a beloved music pioneer, a philanthropist, a fierce advocate for childhood literacy and education, and a true leader. She founded the Imagination Library, in honor of her father who never learned to read or write, which provided hundreds of millions of free books for children, no matter their background or socioeconomic status. And who can forget her leadership during COVID, when she funded a critical portion of the early research that went into the production of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. May her activism, words, and spirit always live on. Thank you, Dolly," City Council Speaker Julie Menin posted on social media.
"Dolly Parton was a once-in-a-generation talent, on and off the stage. Her voice and wit were legendary. Her philanthropic work saved countless lives — and changed our world for the better. What an extraordinary life," Gov. Kathy Hochul said.
"Dolly Parton was loved in every corner of our nation. All of America is mourning this monumental loss. We love you, Dolly," Sen. Chuck Schumer posted.
Parton was previously honored with a key to the city in a City Hall ceremony, back in 1978. Mayor Ed Koch presided.
Parton played New York City's famous Carnegie Hall in 1993.
In 2022, the MTA released limited-edition Dolly Parton MetroCards in honor of her "Diamonds & Rhinestones" greatest hits collection.
In 2009, Parton wrote the music and lyrics for the Broadway musical adaptation of "9 To 5." One of the stars, Tony Award winner Stephanie J. Block, said she first met Parton during her audition.
"She stood up after I sang, gave me the warmest embrace," she said. "When you're in Dolly's presence, you do want to rise up and be your best self."
Block says her talent and kindness took Broadway to another level.
"She wanted to be part of the fabric of Broadway," she said.
During the Broadway run of "9 To 5," Times Square vendor Duane Jackson says he befriended Parton's driver and had a chance to meet Parton backstage.
"She said, 'God bless you for your service in Vietnam,' gave me a big hug and kiss," Jackson said.
After Jackson helped thwart a terror attack in Times Square in 2010, to his surprise, Parton came to visit him again after seeing him on TV.
"No fanfare, no paparazzi, no news conference, it was just pure from the heart," he said.
"Dolly: A True Original Musical" about her life is coming to Broadway later this year. Following her death, the producers of the show said it would continue to move forward with previews on Dec. 7 at the St. James Theatre, "as was Dolly's wish." The show's official opening night is set for Jan. 19, which would've been the late singer's 81st birthday.
"Now this isn't about sparkle and shine on the outside. It's about where I really come from. Where I've lived, what I've lost, what I've loved and how I found my way, in my own words and through the music that's been part of me every step of the journey," Parton said just last month about the show.
Fans in the theater district were crushed at her loss.
"She was a national treasure. It's so sad to see her go. I loved just her spirit and, you know, her ability to stay true to herself, but also reinvent herself," one fan said.
"I played in a band called Blackhawk, and we played at Dollywood. Probably the nicest person I've ever met in my life. Genuine, sweet, incredibly talented, very complimentary to our performance," another person said.
"I've been to Nashville so many times and I saw her perform once. So it's a very sad day for country music, for music in general, but she was one of the greatest that has ever lived," said a third.
President Donald Trump announced flags will be lowered across the country for a week starting Tuesday night.
