Dolly Parton & Other Country Stars React to Passing of Whitney Houston

Written by SLN Staff Writer February 13, 2012

Dolly Parton is among the millions of people around the world mourning the loss of legendary singer Whitney Houston who died on February 11. Among the many hit songs that Houston leaves behind is the Dolly Parton original “I Will Always Love You.” Dolly released the following two statements in regards to Whitney’s passing; one immediately upon hearing the news, and one after watching the tribute to Whitney on the 54th Annual GRAMMY Awards…

“My heart is with Whitney and her family as they lay her to rest. I did not know Whitney, nor any of her family personally; but she will always be a part of my heart and I will always be grateful for her awesome performance and success with our song “I Will Always Love You.” Rest in peace, Whitney.” -Dolly

“I was brought to tears again last night, as I’m sure many were, when Jennifer Hudson sang ‘I Will Always Love You’ on the Grammys in memory of Whitney. Like everybody else, I am still in shock. But I know that Whitney will live forever in all the great music that she left behind. I will always have a very special piece of her in the song we shared together and had the good fortune to share with the world. Rest in peace, Whitney. Again, we will always love you.” – Dolly Parton

Taylor Swift was among the country stars who were in L.A. on the eve of the 54th Annual GRAMMY Awards when the news broke of Houston’s death. “I was at home and I was getting ready for the Clive Davis party and as soon as I found out, I just couldn’t go out. I was just really sad. It’s shocking and it hasn’t sunk in and I don’t think any of us have come to the full realisation of what this means,” Swift told Access Hollywood.

Other stars took to Twitter to share their shock and sorrow with fans…

“We are so heartbroken to hear of the loss of Whitney Houston. One of the best voices EVER! Praying God’s comfort for her family.” – Lady Antebellum

“So sad about Whitney. She was one of my singing idols. Prayers going up for her family, especially her daughter.” – Martina McBride

“What a tragedy losing Whitney Houston. One of my all time idols. So very sad for her family. I will be praying for them. :(” – Sara Evans

“Very sad to hear about the death of Whitney Houston…. What an amazing talent she was.” – Jason Aldean

“I can’t stop crying. I have a show to do soon. Wow, I learned how to do what I do because of 3 great women, one being Whitney. She was always so kind to me. This is not gonna be an easy show for sure. I’m doing what she taught me to do by listening to her records over & over as a little girl. Her death is very surreal.” – LeAnn Rimes

“On the bus listening to Whitney. Very heartbreaking to lose someone that defined my generation. Voice of an angel. A very sad day.” – Luke Bryan