CNN Issues Apology Over Incorrect Dolly Parton Photo

Sabrina Carpenter and Paul McCartney are among the latest music stars to honour Dolly Parton following her death.

The two artists shared treasured memories of the country icon, who died on 25 August at the age of 80.

Sabrina, 27, posted a collection of monochrome photographs featuring herself with Dolly and included an emotional message describing the singer as “an angel”.

“oh dolly,” the ‘Please, Please Please’ singer wrote beside a broken heart emoji. “the only thing i could say after we first met was 'she really is an angel walking the earth' and 'we look like we could be sisters!'”

Sabrina previously joined Dolly for a duet of the country legend’s hit ‘Jolene’, which appeared on the deluxe edition of her album ‘Short n’ Sweet’. She continued her tribute by mourning the loss of Dolly’s “singular magic”.

“i will cherish our laughter and conversations and i will keep your wisdom, your playful outlook on life, and perfect sense of humor in my pocket for the rainy days,” she wrote. “there will never be another you and how lucky are we all to have experienced your singular magic as well as your once in a lifetime voice, songs, and heart. your light will be something the world will search forever to find again. i will always love you.”

Sir Paul McCartney also admitted that he would find it “hard to imagine living in a world without Dolly”.

“The magnificent star Dolly Parton has died and it is so sad. She was such a wonderful woman,” the 84 year old musician wrote on Instagram alongside two monochrome pictures of the pair when they were younger.

“I first met her in Nashville at the Grand Ole Opry where she had been playing with the country star Porter Wagoner and was about to start her solo career. She was so bubbly and full of life it is difficult to take in the news that she has passed. Her songwriting, her singing and her philanthropy were unrivaled in the world of country music and it is hard to imagine living in a world without Dolly.”

Dolly died “after bravely facing a brief battle with cancer”, according to a statement issued by her family several hours after her passing.

“Our beloved Dolly Parton spent her life and career bringing joy, laughter, hope and integrity into everything she touched,” the message said.

“Her unmatched generosity reached the lives of countless people whom she would never meet, yet she was always there to offer a helping hand.

“Whether it be the hundreds of millions of books donated through her invaluable Imagination Library or funding research that helped create a lifesaving vaccine used around the world, Dolly's unconditional love for all people was the guiding force for her lasting impact.

“After bravely facing a brief battle with cancer, Dolly departed her Earthly life today at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Centre surrounded by loved ones.”