Bobby Bones Shares How Dolly Parton 'Defined What Country Music Could Be'

Bobby Bones shared a heartfelt tribute to late legend Dolly Parton, who became "part of the identity of the genre," throughout her unmatched career.

Parton "died peacefully today in Nashville, Tennessee. She was 80 years old," according to an official announcement on Tuesday (August 25). Representatives for the beloved country artist confirmed to PEOPLE hours later that Parton died "after bravely facing a brief battle with cancer."

Bobby took part in an outpouring of heartfelt tributes to the "I Will Always Love You" icon as the world mourned her loss. He said in a tribute that he's "sad to talk about the passing of Dolly Parton, somebody that I knew, somebody that I admired, and somebody that all of country music admired.

"Dolly wasn't just one of the greatest country artists of all time, she was one of the greatest artists and one of the people who defined what country music could be," he continued. "She came from almost nothing in the mountains of East Tennessee, and somehow became bigger than the genre without ever becoming bigger than the people who loved her and that she stood for. She was an elite songwriter first, writing songs like 'Jolene,' 'Coat of Many Colors,' 'I Will Always Love You,' that have been sung for generations, and also have been covered by artists for decades. But her impact goes way beyond just the records and awards. Dolly made country music feel welcoming. She could walk into the Grand Ole Opry, she could go to Hollywood, she could go into a Rock & Roll room, or just a room full of people that agreed on absolutely nothing, and somehow make 'em fall in love with her. Because everybody loved Dolly. She was funny without being cruel. She was successful without losing her humility. And she was proudly country without ever making anybody feel like they didn't belong. There are stars, there are legends, and then there are the handful of people who become part of the identity of the genre. Dolly Parton was country music, and country music will never be quite the same without her. Rest in peace, Dolly Parton."

Bobby remembered Parton as "an ambassador for country music," who was "so famous, but still, she did not act like that at all. I loved being around her. He shared a resurfaced clip from The Bobby Bones Show, capturing Parton singing "9 to 5," and talking about her favorite songs o perform live. Bobby also revealed a list of "fun facts" about Parton that fans might not know.

Tune into The Bobby Bones Show in the free iHeartRadio app and on your local iHeartRadio stations for more stories about Parton as the country music community continues to honor the beloved legend.

The official announcement issued Tuesday afternoon 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."