Dolly Parton has paid tribute to her “dear friend” and co-star Dabney Coleman in the wake of his death on may 16,
The country music icon, 78, took to Xformerly Twitter, to share a statement in honor of Coleman with whom she starred in the 1980 film 9 to 5,
“Dabney was a great actor and became a dear friend,” she wrote.
READ MORE: Dabney Coleman, star of 9 to 5, dies aged 92
“He taught me so much when I was doing my first movie, 9 to 5, He was funny, deep and smart. We remained friends through the years and I will miss him greatly as many people will.”
The pair co-starred in the romantic comedy for which Parton wrote her hit song of the same name. The film follows the story of three female employees navigating a difficult workplace with a sexist boss (played by Coleman).
Parton and Coleman shared the screen with fellow Hollywood icons Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin.
READ MORE: Jason Momoa confirms romance with actress Adria Arjona
Tomlin was also among those to pay tribute to late star, who passed aged 92, sharing a photo of her and Coleman’s characters from the film to X,
Captioning the photo, she simply wrote: “We just loved him.”
In a statement provided to media outlets including The Hollywood Reporter, Coleman’s daughter Quincy confirmed his death sharing that he died in his Santa Monica home last Thursday (Friday in Australia).
READ MORE: Nina Dobrev hospitalized after accident: ‘Long recovery ahead’
“My father crafted his time here on Earth with a curious mind, a generous heart and a soul on fire with passion, desire and humor that tickled the funny bone of humanity,” she said.
“As he lived, he moved through this final act of his life with elegance, excellence and mastery.
“A teacher, a hero and a king, Dabney Coleman is a gift and blessing in life and in death as his spirit will shine through his work, his loved ones and his legacy … eternally.”
READ MORE: Simone Biles defends husband Jonathan Owens
Coleman built a career playing villainous roles including Franklin Hart Jr. in 9 to 5 and Ron Carlisle in Tootsie. The actor leaves behind a legacy in the film and television industry with several credits to his name from a decades-long career.
Tributes have flowed since the news of Coleman’s passing with fans commemorating his life and career on social media.
“Dabney Coleman was one of those actors that no matter what he was in, he was simply brilliant,” said one fan, “He made being a jerk an art form and often times, carried the movies he was in. This town lost a legend.”
His final on screen appearance was in the drama series Yellowstone, where he starred in a guest spot as Kevin Costner’s father.
FOLLOW US ON WHATSAPP HERE: Stay across all the latest in celebrity, lifestyle and opinion via our WhatsApp channel. No comments, no algorithm and nobody can see your private details.
