Ainsley Earhardt has shared an emotional farewell following the passing of country music icon Dolly Parton, remembering her as an American treasure whose kindness left a lasting impression.
The longtime Fox & Friends co-host took to Instagram with a smiling photograph of herself beside Parton, taken during one of their meetings in New York City.
“So sad to hear about the passing of one of the greatest ever, Dolly Parton,” Earhardt wrote.
“She was an American treasure and one of the kindest celebrities I have ever met. Her heart was LOVE. I am saddened.”
Earhardt also shared how deeply Parton’s music had touched generations of women in her own family.
“My daughter, sister, mom and I have grown up listening to her music and it filled our homes and hearts with joy,” she continued.
The personal tribute quickly struck a chord, receiving more than 16,000 likes as followers shared their own memories of the beloved singer.
Ainsley remembers Dolly’s extraordinary kindness
The photograph showed Earhardt and Parton beaming together on a New York City street, capturing a warm moment between the television host and the country music legend.
For Earhardt, Dolly was more than an artist whose songs had filled her family’s home. She was a woman whose warmth and humility matched the enormous success of her career.
Her words focused on Parton’s heart, describing her as one of the kindest celebrities she had ever met.
It was a simple message, but it reflected the reason Dolly was loved by so many people: she brought joy to millions while remaining known for her generosity and down-to-earth spirit.
Steve Doocy shares a moving memory of Dolly
Steve Doocy was among the other Fox News personalities who paid tribute to Parton.
The Fox & Friends co-host shared a selfie with Dolly taken on Aug. 23, 2016, as they prepared for a live segment in New York City.
Doocy recalled asking her if he could take a photograph together.
“She smiled and said, ‘Why would you want a picture with little ole me?’” he wrote.
“I laughed. ‘Hello…Dolly—you’re DOLLY PARTON!’”
Doocy said that answer perfectly captured who she was.
“That was Dolly,” he wrote.
Over the years, he interviewed her around half a dozen times and remembered her as “funny, kind, whip-smart” and always professional.
He also looked back on interviewing Parton and author James Patterson about their novel Run, Rose, Run. During a visit to Patterson’s home, Doocy saw a guitar Dolly had given him, inscribed with the words, “I will always love you.”
His tribute also included a lighthearted memory from the 2014 ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, when Kenny Rogers nominated Garth Brooks, Dolly and Doocy.
“How did I get on THAT list?” he joked.
Doocy ended his post with words that summed up the loss felt by so many.
“Dolly was a legendary singer, songwriter and savvy businesswoman who never lost her humility or humor,” he wrote. “I’m grateful I asked for that selfie. Godspeed, Dolly. Thanks for the music, laughs and kindness.”
Fans share prayers and treasured memories
Both tributes prompted an outpouring of emotion from followers.
Many thanked Dolly for the music, generosity and kindness she gave to the world throughout her life. One person wrote that her music “hits differently” now and spoke about how deeply her songs continue to affect listeners.
Another called her “an icon and the sweetest person,” praising the way she helped children read and gave books to those who needed them.
“Dolly didn’t just share her voice with the world,” one follower wrote. “She shared her heart, her kindness, and her light with millions.”
Under Doocy’s post, commenters praised the photograph and said he was lucky to have met her.
“She was uniquely feminine and talented and giving,” one person wrote. “She will be missed by everyone who knew her or enjoyed her talent.”
Another called Doocy’s message “one of the best tributes” they had read.
A legacy filled with music, laughter and love
Dolly Parton built one of the most remarkable careers in entertainment history as a singer, songwriter, actress, author and businesswoman.
But the tributes from Earhardt and Doocy showed that people remembered far more than her success. They remembered the humor, humility and kindness that made her feel personal to millions of fans.
For Ainsley, she was the voice that filled her family’s home with joy. For Steve, she was the unforgettable woman who wondered why anyone would want a selfie with “little ole” Dolly.
Their memories offered a beautiful reminder of the gift she gave the world—and why she will never be forgotten.
