Sir Paul McCartney has found it "difficult to take in" the news of "magnificent" Dolly Parton's death.

The 84-year-old musician and Beatles bandmate Sir Ringo Starr joined Dolly on a cover of their group's classic Let It Be for her final album, 2023's Rockstar, and he has now offered a heartfelt tribute to the county legend following her passing on Tuesday (25.08.26) at the age of 80.

Sharing photos of them together in 1974, he wrote on Instagram: "The magnificent star Dolly Parton has died and it is so sad. She was such a wonderful woman. I first met her in Nashville at the Grand Ole Opry where she had been playing with the country star Porter Wagoner and was about to start her solo career.

"She was so bubbly and full of life it is difficult to take in the news that she has passed.

"Her songwriting, her singing and her philanthropy were unrivaled in the world of country music and it is hard to imagine living in a world without Dolly.

"She was a very clever business woman who understood the value of her music and, most importantly, the effect that she had on the people of the world."

Paul admitted there was "no greater honour" than for Dolly to have covered Let It Be, and he was thrilled to be a part of her version.

He added: "There was no greater honour for me than to have her sing my song Let It Be and, even though I only made a small contribution to it, I am so honoured that she did it. I am so proud to have known her and admire her unique talents.

"Thanks Dolly for the beautiful music you gave me and the whole world. We will always love you, god bless and rest in peace. You were the best."

Ringo also shared his own, more brief, tribute on behalf of himself and wife Barbara.

He wrote on X alongside a photo of the 9 to 5 singer: "God bless Dolly Parton and peace and love to all the family, peace and love Ringo and Barbara xx (sic)"

Meanwhile, Rolling Stones frontman Sir Mick Jagger will "miss [Dolly] so much".

He shared two photos of them together and wrote on social media: "What a wonderful songwriter and singer Dolly was. She brought so many people together, we will all miss her so much."

His bandmate Ronnie Wood shared a similar sentiment as he posted his own photo with Dolly.

He captioned the post: "Rest in peace Dolly. We will miss you and your magic vibe."

Dolly's death was announced in a video message from her nephew, Bryan Seaver, and her representatives later confirmed she had been battling cancer.

Her representatives said in a statement: "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.

"After bravely facing a brief battle with cancer, Dolly departed her Earthly life today at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center surrounded by loved ones."