Star entertainer Dolly Parton, who has died at 80, came to New Zealand multiple times and said she loved visiting.
The country singer first visited the country's shores in the 1980s, and spent five weeks travelling around as part of her 'Islands in the Stream' tour, with Kenny Rogers in 2014.
Parton said in a 2023 interview with New Zealand Women's Weekly: "We loved the people, we loved the food... we just loved everything about it.”
She said they spent their days off enjoying the scenery and tourist attractions, but added that despite her love for the country, “It’s 20 hours to get there! We couldn’t just say, ‘Oh, we’re going to New Zealand for the weekend'."
Parton said at the time there was always a chance she may come back to visit, mentioning that maybe one day she could do a movie, or build a hotel.
"I just wish it was a little closer,” she said.
When she spoke to Seven Sharp's Hillary Barry in 2023, she said: "To all my friends and fans in New Zealand, here's to you.
"Now, you're a long way off, but you feel real close."
The country star cuts loose and enters new musical territory with a rock ’n’ roll album. (Source: Seven Sharp)
Parton became one of country music’s most celebrated artists with timeless songs including Jolene, I Will Always Love You and Islands in the Stream, while also earning recognition for her roles in films such as 9 to 5 and Steel Magnolias.
Her death has been met with tributes from many of the people who worked with or admired her.
Miley Cyrus, Parton's goddaughter, wrote that she could not believe “we just lost the purest soul,” while country music star Kacey Musgraves said: “The world feels a lot less sparkly all of a sudden.”
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