Taylor Swift shared a heartfelt tribute following the passing of country music legend Dolly Parton.
"A world without Dolly doesn’t feel possible, real, or right. But because of the eternally generous way she spent her time on this earth and the countless lives she changed for the better, her legacy will be an everlasting one," Taylor Swift said in a statement as reported by Billboard.
Taylor went on to reflect on Dolly’s lasting influence, describing her as an artist who inspired others to embrace their individuality while using her voice and platform to uplift those around her.
"She was truly the gift that kept on giving. Dolly gave us someone to look up to while encouraging us to be who we are as individuals. Somehow she was able to give us her lessons about the world gently and honestly, simultaneously, and oftentimes hilariously," Taylor remarked.
The “Love Story” hitmaker also praised Dolly for the way she balanced openness and mystery while remaining both compassionate and steadfast throughout her career.
"She managed to give the world the ultimate mystery and fantasy in some corners of her life, but to give full transparency in the ways that counted. Somehow she was true grace and true grit, all in one dazzling person. She possessed the softest heart when it came to the struggles of others, and a backbone of steel to defend her own self worth as an artist," she said.
READ: Remembering Dolly Parton: 8 facts about the icon
Taylor also reflected on the many ways Dolly left an impact through her songwriting, philanthropy, and the path she paved for generations of women in music.
"Along with her other fans, I am so grateful for all of it. For the melodies and lyrics she wrote that thawed even the coldest hearts. For the millions of books she provided children all over the world so that they might fall in love with stories the way she did. For the tightropes she walked so that young girls like me could grow up dreaming of joining the circus too. Dolly, I’ll think of you each step of the way," she stated.