John Foster Pays Emotional Tribute to Dolly Parton With “I Will Always Love You”
Dolly Parton’s music has touched generations of country artists, and her influence was felt across the genre long after her passing on August 25, 2026. Among those paying tribute was American Idol Season 23 runner-up John Foster, who picked up his acoustic guitar and performed one of Parton’s most enduring songs, “I Will Always Love You.”
Parton’s death prompted an outpouring of grief from musicians, celebrities, organizations, and fans. Her songs quickly became a way for many to remember an artist whose impact reached far beyond country music.
Foster’s tribute was especially fitting. The young country singer had already made a name for himself with his heartfelt performances during the 2025 season of American Idol, where he became a fan favorite.
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John Foster Honors Dolly With a Song She Wrote
Foster finished Season 23 of American Idol as the runner-up, with Jamal Roberts taking the title and Breanna Nix placing third. Foster was particularly remembered for his original song “Tell That Angel I Love Her,” which became one of the performances that helped win over viewers during his run on the show.
Like countless country performers who came before him, Foster was deeply influenced by Parton. After learning of her death, he chose to honor her with an intimate acoustic rendition of “I Will Always Love You.”
Rather than trying to recreate the grandeur associated with other versions of the song, Foster delivered the performance simply, accompanied by his guitar. The result resonated strongly with listeners.
The Instagram video has received more than 628,000 views, along with more than 2,000 comments praising Foster’s rendition. Fans described the performance as “beautiful” and “wonderful,” with many saying it was a fitting way to remember Parton.
Foster also shared a heartfelt message alongside the video, explaining that he could never fully capture in words what Parton meant to him or to country music.
“There are so many things I’d like to say about how wonderful Dolly Parton was, what a gift she was to the genre that means so much to me, and what a gift she was to this country and this world, but I know that my words could never do her justice. Instead, she said how I’m feeling when she wrote one of the best songs ever written. We will always love you, Mrs. Dolly. Rest with our Jesus.”
“I Will Always Love You” was written by Parton and became one of her signature compositions. Whitney Houston later turned the song into a global phenomenon through The Bodyguard, giving it another life with audiences around the world.
Foster’s choice of the song therefore carried particular meaning. He was honoring Parton with words she had written herself, using one of her most recognizable songs to express a sense of loss that he felt was difficult to put into his own words.
Dolly Parton’s Legacy Remembered by Friends, Family and Fellow Artists
Foster was far from the only person to pay tribute to Parton following her death.
Kevin Costner, who supported the use of “I Will Always Love You” in The Bodyguard, reflected on the loss of the country music icon and said he was left “breathless” by her death.
Miley Cyrus, Parton’s goddaughter, also shared an emotional tribute. The two had maintained a close relationship for years, and Cyrus has frequently spoken about the influence Parton had on her life and career.
Cyrus wrote:
“I will always love her and want to make her proud. My heart breaks for the world, her family and friends who will miss her deeply. We’re in this loss together and we will see her in all of the most beautiful things.”
Parton’s family has also been mourning her loss. She is survived by six siblings, including her younger sister Stella. Dolly was one of 12 children in the Parton family, with 11 brothers and sisters in total.
Two days after Dolly’s death, Stella shared her own message about her sister and the legacy she hoped people would continue to carry forward.
“My sister was always thinking of others, and if you want to honor her legacy, show more kindness, lift up others, and give more of your time and resources, as she continued to do to the very end.”
Those sentiments echo the broader response to Parton’s death. Her legacy has always extended beyond her recordings and performances, encompassing the generosity and kindness that became central to the way she was remembered. Her death at 80 has prompted tributes from across music, film, entertainment, and the many communities touched by her work.
For John Foster, the most meaningful way to say goodbye was through music. With an acoustic guitar and one of Parton’s most beloved songs, he offered a quiet tribute to an artist who had inspired generations of country musicians.
And as Foster’s message made clear, for those who loved Dolly Parton, the sentiment behind the song remains especially fitting: they will always love her.
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