Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has paid tribute to Dolly Parton following her death at 80, revealing how he helped save her 2011 Australian tour.
The 63-year-old leader shared a post on social media on Wednesday morning paying tribute to the country music icon, accompanied by a throwback photograph of Parton giving him a huge hug.
Albanese recalled how he intervened as transport minister in 2011 when Parton's massive tour bus ran into trouble with Australian authorities because it was too long and wide, putting her $30million tour at risk.
Writing on social media, Albanese praised Parton as a singer and songwriter of rare power and talent who also shone brightly as an actor, author, and philanthropist.
"Dolly Parton made our world a better place in so many ways, it's hard to imagine the world without her," Albanese wrote. "And the big, radiant heart of the Dolly universe was a personality as strong as it was compassionate, a vivacious woman of great humour and a sense of humanity sustained in no small part by the humble strength of her roots."
Intervention in 2011 Australian tour
Albanese explained that helping Parton overcome bureaucratic challenges to get her tour bus onto Australian roads was one of the highlights of his time in government.
"One of the joys of my time in Government was when I was able to help Dolly overcome a bit of red tape and get her tour bus onto Australian roads in 2011," Albanese wrote.
"It was a magical experience meeting her, but what was even better was seeing her among her legions of local fans," he added. "There are a lot of broken hearts in Australia and across the world today. Wherever you are, turn your stereo or your phone to Dolly then turn the volume up. May the great Dolly Parton rest in peace."
Parton was famously grateful for the minister's assistance ahead of what was her first tour in Australia in 25 years, performing for thousands of fans across the nation.
Before arriving in Australia, Parton's management passed on a message promising that she would give Albanese a "huge cuddle" for saving the $30million concert series. True to her word, Parton embraced Albanese when the pair met outside one of her Australian shows.
Global tributes and final days
Parton's death on Tuesday prompted an outpouring of tributes from across the globe for one of the most beloved entertainers of all time. Often referred to as the Queen of Country, her music career spanned an incredible six decades and was best known for hits including Jolene and 9 to 5.
Her passing followed months of health woes that forced her to pull out of a string of public appearances, including cancelling events and her Las Vegas residency, fuelling widespread concern among her fans for her wellbeing.
In an interview published by People magazine just four days before her death, Parton revealed she had been dealing with health issues while caring for her husband Carl, but remained committed to her work.
Parton declared she still had "so many things I want to achieve" and vowed to continue "working as long as I can to see everything come to life," via People. She explained that she had been grappling with "some health issues that I just didn't pay attention to when I was watching over Carl."
Family insiders have indicated that a private service for close friends and relations will be held in Nashville within the next few days.
