Jane Fonda took a moment to recognise Dolly Parton’s advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community while paying tribute to her friend and former co-star.
On Monday evening, the Oscar winner admitted she was “devastated” by the news of Dolly’s death, having first worked with the country music superstar in the early 1980s on the film 9 To 5.
“I know that millions are mourning and I want to say this – more than anyone I have ever known, Dolly will always be with us because she was so present, so powerful, so generous and playful that she is woven into all our lives and hearts forever,” Jane wrote on Instagram.
“We have our memories of her, her songs, Dollywood, 9 To5, the millions of books she got into the hands of children, all the iconic images that bring her to us. And they are all blessings.
“Let’s be grateful for all that she has left us to ease our sadness now. I never knew anyone like her.”
At the end of her tribute, Jane also shared a message aimed specifically at Dolly’s “gay and trans fans”.
“I want you to know that she loved you,” she insisted. “You know that without me telling you.
“She loved all her fans and they are legion. And you know she doesn’t want y’all to mourn now. Dress up and celebrate her spirit. But first, watch the final episode of Grace and Frankie where she’s an angel, the head honcho working class angel in Heaven.”
While Dolly mostly chose not to speak on political issues, she was a vocal supporter of the LGBTQ+ community throughout her time in the spotlight, and was an early advocate for equal marriage.
She once told The Hollywood Reporter: “I’ve got transgender people. I’ve got gays. I’ve got lesbians. I’ve got drunks. I’ve got drug addicts — all within my own family.
“I know and love them all, and I do not judge.”
Following the news of Dolly’s death, many icons from the entertainment world who knew and worked with the Jolene performer have been paying their respects and sharing their memories in heartfelt tributes.
Source: Read the original article on www.huffingtonpost.co.uk
