Blake Shelton has remembered Dolly Parton as a deeply loving presence following the country legend’s death at 80. In a heartfelt Instagram tribute, the former The Voice Coach reflected on the time they spent together on NBC’s singing competition and described the lasting impression she made on him and others around her.
Shelton said he worked closely with Parton when she appeared on The Voice in 2015, joining Gwen Stefani as they spent time with the singer on the program. Although their professional collaboration was limited, Shelton emphasized that meeting Parton confirmed the public image many people already had of her. He portrayed her as warm, generous and genuinely caring rather than simply a performer with a beloved public persona.
According to Shelton’s tribute, being around Parton felt similar to spending time with an especially entertaining and affectionate member of his own family. He also expressed the sense of shared grief following news of her death on August 25, calling the loss one felt by people around the world and closing his message with an expression of love for the singer.
Shelton accompanied the tribute with a photograph from The Voice set. In the image, Parton is seated in Shelton’s oversized Coach Chair while making his recognizable “Pick me” finger-pointing gesture. The picture captures the playful connection between the two performers and provides a visual reminder of Parton’s appearances on the series.
Parton never served as a permanent Coach on The Voice, but she returned to the show in several different roles. During Season 9, she worked as an advisor and mentor for all four Coaches. She notably helped Shelton prepare Emily Ann Roberts, who later performed Parton’s “9 to 5” in the semi-finals before finishing the season as runner-up.
Parton came back in Season 11 as a live performer, singing “Circle of Love” and “Jolene.” Her performance of “Jolene” also featured Miley Cyrus, her real-life goddaughter, on vocals. Parton’s final appearance on the series came remotely during the Season 23 finale, where she paid tribute to Shelton as he approached his departure from the show.
That farewell included Parton singing “I Will Always Love You” to Shelton. She also playfully described him as a “G.O.A.T.,” using the phrase “Greatest of all Time” before joking about the animal associated with the acronym. The moment offered a lighthearted conclusion to their history on the program while also underscoring the affection between the two entertainers.
The Voice is scheduled to return for Season 30 on Monday, September 21, at 8 p.m. ET on NBC, with episodes available to stream the following day on Peacock. Shelton’s tribute adds a personal reflection to the show’s broader connection with Parton, whose music, mentorship and performances made her a recurring presence in its history.
