Toby Keith's Family Pays Tribute To Late Legend Dolly Parton

Toby Keith 's family shared a heartfelt tribute to late legend Dolly Parton on Wednesday morning (August 26).

Parton died on Tuesday (August 25) in Nashville, Tennessee, following a brief battle with cancer, her representatives confirmed. She was 80. Parton's nephew, Bryan Seaver, also confirmed his aunt's passing with a heartfelt message from the family that he shared on Parton's social media accounts. Keith's family joined an outpouring of tributes to the "I Will Always Love You" icon.

"Toby loved and respected Dolly," the family shared. "He was thrilled and honored to be asked to perform on Dolly's Special, 50 Years At The Grand Ole Opry. He sang 'Kentucky Gambler' one of his favorite songs written by Dolly Parton. It was an unforgettable evening. Dolly will be forever in our hearts."

Dolly Parton: 50 Years At The Opry celebrated Parton's five decades as an Opry member. She was inducted in January 1969. The 2019 anniversary special also included performances and appearances by Emmylou Harris, Dierks Bentley, Chris Janson, Lady A, Margo Price, and Hank Williams Jr. Parton released "Kentucky Gambler" on her 10-track album, The Bargain Store, in 1975.

Keith "passed peacefully…surrounded by family," on February 5, 2024, following a battle with stomach cancer. He was 62. He is survived by his wife, Tricia Covel, daughters Shelley Covel Rowland and Krystal Keith, son Stelen Keith Covel, and his grandchildren.

An official announcement issued Tuesday states that "Dolly is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 59 years Carl Thomas Dean (1942 - 2025), her mother Avie Lee Caroline Owens (1923 - 2003), and father, Robert Lee Parton, Sr. (1921 - 2000). …At Dolly's request, a small, private service will be held for immediate family. Dolly's fans and friends from around the world are encouraged to pay tribute to Dolly on social media by tagging @DollyParton or by leaving a message at www.dollyparton.com. In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations to be made to Dolly Parton's Imagination Library."