‘Nashville’ Star Connie Britton Breaks Silence on Dolly Parton’s Death: ‘The Blondes Are Really Taking Heaven By Storm This Week’

Dolly Parton may be gone, but Connie Britton can still hear the wise advice she would have imparted were she still here.

The Nashville and 9-1-1 star will continue to take her words to heart, as evidenced by the sweet tribute shared in the hours following news of her death at 80 years old.

Despite how heavily ingrained Britton became in the country music sphere during her time portraying a country superstar on TV, the two never met until a panel at the 2022 SXSW Conference, where Britton joined a discussion between Parton and author James Patterson about their book Run, Rose, Run: A Novel.

The photo posted by the actress appears to have been taken at the event’s red carpet.

“I keep having these conversations with Dolly in my head today, like I did back in those Nashville days at the Ryman until I actually finally got to meet her in 2022,” she recalled in a brief social media post memorializing the “Jolene” songstress. “So today I’ve been telling her what an inspiration and godsend she has been to me and to so many.”

In response, she imagines Parton saying, “You know honey, God is in you. Know and love every part of yourself. Let it shine as only you can. Use everything you’ve been given, all that you’ve come from. And use it generously, for joy and honesty and fun and service.”

It may not be exactly what Parton would have said in response, but based upon the countless other memories shared from her fellow celebs today, it seems pretty close.

“Thank you Dolly,” Britton concluded, sending a nod to another devastating loss suffered this month when she added, “The blonds [sic] are really taking heaven by storm this week. 💔.”

Related: Cyndi Lauper Remembers Dolly Parton for This Key Attribute: ‘What Would Dolly Do?’

Britton, of course, also lost her former costar, Hayden Panettiere, earlier this month, when the young actress died just days before her 37th birthday.

She shared a series of photos of the two filming the hit ABC series together, putting a spotlight on the force behind Juliette Barnes.

“This was Hayden. Bursting with brilliance, shining so bright,” she wrote. “I have no words for this sad song. Just heartbreak. I love you girl. Sleep easy now. 💔.”

Related: ‘Nashville’ Star Charles Esten Remembers Hayden Panettiere With the ‘Best Tribute Fans Have Ever Seen’