Richie Sambora pays tribute to his 'friend and shero' Dolly Parton
"She will live on in our hearts forever"
Former Bon Jovi guitarist Richie Sambora has paid tribute to his friend and ‘Shero’ Dolly Parton following the country legend’s death aged 80.
Richie Sambora shared the stage with Dolly Parton at London’s The O2 in June 2014, and, two days later, he played ‘Lay Your Hands on Me’ with Dolly during her triumphant ‘legends’ set on The Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury.
In 2023, he hit the studio with Dolly to play guitar on the title track to her rock album, ‘Rock Star’.
Sharing footage of the Glastonbury performance on social media, Richie said: ‘Dolly, The Undisputed Queen of country music. My Shero! I am very proud to call her, my friend and musical partner.
‘She will live on in our hearts forever. All my love… Richie.’
Following the news of Dolly’s death was broke by her nephew Bryan Seaver, her publicist Marcel Pariseau has confirmed she died of cancer.
"After bravely facing a brief battle with cancer, Dolly departed her Earthly life today at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Centre surrounded by loved ones,” Pariseau said.
"Our beloved Dolly Parton spent her life and career bringing joy, laughter, hope and integrity into everything she touched.
"Her unmatched generosity reached the lives of countless people whom she would never meet, yet she was always there to offer a helping hand.
"Whether it be the hundreds of millions of books donated through her invaluable Imagination Library or funding research that helped create a lifesaving vaccine used around the world, Dolly’s unconditional love for all people was the guiding force for her lasting impact."