Kenny Rogers’ family and team shared a heartfelt tribute to Dolly Parton after her passing on Tuesday (August 25). She was 80.

Parton and Rogers were duet partners and close friends for decades, including their classic ‘80s collaboration, “Islands in the Stream,” (a “lost” duet with Parton appeared on Rogers’ posthumous album, Life Is Like a Song, in 2023). Rogers died in March 2020, surrounded by family in Sandy Springs, Georgia. He was 81. Parton said in an interview with PEOPLE in 2023, “I miss him so much. I've lost so many wonderful people in my life in the last few years. But Kenny — he was very, very dear and special and I never get tired of hearing us sing, all the years that we were on stage together.”

“Our Dearest Dolly,” Rogers’ family wrote in a letter to Parton. The family and Rogers’ team posted the tribute on Instagram with a photo of the two late legends sharing the stage together. “It's painstakingly hard to put into words what you meant to Kenny...and to all of us.

“When the two of you sang about being islands in the stream who together had found peace unknown, having real love for each other as true friends who would always stand by each other, and how you just can't make old friends, it was always as genuine as it could possibly be...coming straight from the heart and reflecting what you both felt for each other.

“Saying a simple, yet sincere thank you could never be enough for bringing so much joy, laughter, and amazing songs and stories into our lives,” the post continued. “Your irreplaceable spirit of compassion, positivity, friendliness, and immense generosity will live on with your remarkable legacy.

“We must accept that you've simply traded your butterfly wings in for angel wings,” the family said. “Though we write this through tears and feelings of extraordinary grief and sadness, at the same time we realize how thankful we are that you were able to live such a vibrant and meaningful life using your many God-given talents, in turn making millions of other lives better, and we are happy for you and the reunions you're enjoying with your heavenly arrival.

“Dolly, we will think of you every step of the way...and we will ALWAYS love you!”

Rogers’ family joined an outpouring of emotional tributes to Parton, including many artists in the country music community. Parton’s nephew, Bryan Seaver, confirmed his aunt’s loss in a statement from the family shared on Parton’s social media accounts on Tuesday afternoon. An official statement also confirmed, “global icon and humanitarian, Dolly Parton, known to the world as a beloved singer, songwriter, philanthropist, actress, playwright, and author died peacefully today in Nashville, Tennessee.” Parton’s representatives confirmed to PEOPLE on Tuesday evening that Parton died “after bravely facing a brief battle with cancer.”

The official announcement issued Tuesday afternoon states that “Dolly is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 59 years Carl Thomas Dean (1942 – 2025), her mother Avie Lee Caroline Owens (1923 – 2003), and father, Robert Lee Parton, Sr. (1921 – 2000). …At Dolly’s request, a small, private service will be held for immediate family. Dolly’s fans and friends from around the world are encouraged to pay tribute to Dolly on social media by tagging @DollyParton or by leaving a message at www.dollyparton.com. In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations to be made to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.”

Heath West