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Fans Are Rallying Around Dolly Parton After She Shared a Heartbreaking Tribute to Her Uncle

  • Dolly Parton’s uncle and mentor, Bill Owens, passed away according to her recent Instagram post.

  • Following the news, fans are showing their support for the country music star as she remembers and honors her uncle.


On Wednesday, April 7, Dolly Parton took to her Instagram account to share some sad news with fans. She announced the passing of her uncle and mentor Bill Owens with an old photo of the two of them and a beautiful accompanying caption.

“I've lost my beloved Uncle Bill Owens,” she captioned a black and white photo of herself and Bill. “I knew my heart would break when he passed, and it did.”

The Queen of Nashville went on to remember her uncle, who she credited for kick-starting her career in country music.

“He was there... there in my young years to encourage me to keep playing my guitar, to keep writing my songs, to keep practicing my singing,” she recalled. “And he was there to help build my confidence standing on stage where he was always standing behind me or close beside me with his big ol' red Gretsch guitar.” ⁣

Beyond pushing her to practice and preparing her for Nashville, Bill landed Dolly her first gig, too. “He was there to take me around to all of the local shows, got me my first job on the ‘Cas Walker Show,’” she shared. “He took me back-&-forth to Nashville through the years, walked up-&-down the streets with me, knocking on doors to get me signed up to labels or publishing companies.” ⁣

In the end, Dolly says that one thing is for sure: she owes Uncle Billy “an awful lot” for her success.

⁣After posting the news on Instagram, fans from all over the world began pouring in their condolences and support.

“I am so incredibly sorry, Dolly,” actor Dennis Quaid commented. “I am sending you thoughts and prayers. My best, Dennis.”

“So sorry for your loss, he must have been magic if he was an influence on you,” one Instagram user wrote. “Thank you for all you do for the world Dolly! Xo.”

“We all owe Uncle Bill a debt of gratitude,” another fan wrote. “RIP Uncle Bill. So sorry for your loss Ms. Dolly Parton.”

Our thoughts and prayers are with Dolly and her family. ❤️

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