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Eminem shared a letter that Dolly Parton once wrote him
Country music legend Dolly Parton passed away at the age of 80 years old on Tuesday, sparking global tributes to the beloved singer. One of the best tributes came from Eminem, who shared a letter that Parton once wrote him.
As a tribute to the late Dolly Parton, Eminem (Marshall Mathers) shared a letter this week that he received from her following his Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction in 2022.
The letter, written on Parton’s stationery and signed with her name in pink, was addressed to “Marshall (Eminem)” and saw her congratulate him on his induction and his performance.
Parton said that while she doesn’t know much about rap music, she knows that he’s the best at it.
Eminem shared a letter that Dolly Parton wrote him after his Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction
“Even though I don’t know a lot about rap music, I’ve come to know that you are the very best at it. Aside from that I hope what I have to say will not seem weird or strange to you but I have always felt some unexplained connection to you like I know you somehow,” the letter read in part.
In his post, Eminem said that even as a “rap-focused kid from Detroit,” he knew that Parton was an “icon.” He also expressed regret that the pair never got to meet in person before her passing.
“I’m sorry we never got a chance to meet, but getting this note from Dolly really had a an impact on me. She definitely didn’t have to take the time to do it. Even for a kid who mostly listened to rap music, she was an icon. A superstar in every sense. Rest easy Dolly. And thank you for the kind words,” Mathers wrote.
I’m sorry we never got a chance to meet, but getting this note from Dolly really had a an impact on me. She definitely didn’t have to take the time to do it. Even for a kid who mostly listened to rap music, she was an icon. A superstar in every sense. Rest easy Dolly. And thank… pic.twitter.com/LPHi3cKe5m
— Marshall Mathers (@Eminem) August 25, 2026
You can read Parton’s full letter to Eminem below.
“Marshall (Eminem),
Congratulations on your induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Your performance was amazing and everybody said so. Even though I don’t know a lot about rap music, I’ve come to know that you are the very best at it. Aside from that I hope what I have to say will not seem weird or strange to you but I have always felt some unexplained connection to you like I know you somehow. I had hoped to meet you at the show but you know how nuts those things are, personally I hate ’em and I missed my chance but maybe someday we’ll meet. In the meantime, keep doing what you’re doing because you do it so well and no matter how complex your world may be just know you are very special and touch people in ways you don’t even know.
With love & respect,
Dolly Parton”
Our thoughts are with Parton’s friends, family, fans, and various loved ones during this difficult time. May she Rest in Peace.