25 years ago tonight, 2,977 people had no idea they were spending their final night with the people they loved.
They went to bed thinking tomorrow would be just another Tuesday. They had flights to catch, meetings to attend, children to bring to school and families waiting for them to come home.
Tomorrow never came for them.
As we reach the 25th anniversary of September 11, we remember every innocent life taken, every hero who ran toward danger and every family that was changed forever.
25 years may have passed, but we can never allow their memories to fade. We can never forget the fear, the heartbreak, the bravery or the way our country came together in the face of unimaginable evil.
We owe it to the 2,977 lives lost that day, and to everyone who has died from 9/11-related illnesses since, to keep their stories alive.
We cannot move on from their memory. We cannot allow future generations to forget. We will say their names. We will tell their stories.
Now and forever, we will never forget. 🇺🇸
THE NIGHT BEFORE: It was 25 years ago, after midnight on September 11, 2001. At the end of our late-evening broadcast that night, our cameras streamed a live look at the World Trade Center, as Sam Champion forecasted the next day to be “sunny and pleasant." https://t.co/EJCDR5TIcn https://t.co/T8Rg9qMLkv
Lockdown, 2020. No tour, no choir, just Dolly in the house making videos so the rest of us would sit still.
That was her war work, showing up in rhinestones from the living room so nobody felt as trapped as they were.
That was the infectious enthusiasm and positivity the world needed
Dolly didn't just leave songs she left a little light in a world that desperately needed it
REMEMBERING PRINCESS DIANA: 29 years ago today, the world lost Diana, Princess of Wales.
The princess was a fashion and glamour icon, but she also became known for her worldwide philanthropy efforts. She championed causes including homelessness, disabilities, HIV/AIDS, the welfare of children and opposition to the use of land mines. During the final month of her life, she was doing charity work, visiting land mines in Bosnia.
May 20, 2010. A special day I will forever cherish. You can see I dressed from head to toe in Tennessee! Not only … That year we filmed the Hannah Montana Movie 🎥 here in our beautiful, very film friendly, home state of Tennessee. Later in 2010, I also had the incredible honor of being personally hand-picked by Kenny Rogers to be Daniel Burton, the lead character in his heartfelt Christmas in Canaan movie, a story he had written as both a book and screenplay. @DollyParton
📷 Curtis Hilbun
The feeling of losing my Aunt Dolly is beyond what feels right to share. Our most sacred moments were private and they’ll stay there behind the stage, beneath the glamour & between our hearts.
What I KNOW is Dolly would want me to feel it, write a song about it, and then continue on and be strong. I have an angel by my side. I always have. One of our last conversations was about music and metamorphosis. 🦋
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. 💖 @dollyparton
Dolly Parton was a true American icon. First introduced to the world as a "little girl from up in East Tennessee," she became a global superstar.
Her career accolades included 11 Grammy awards, an Emmy, an honorary Oscar, and — my favorite — more than 300 million books sent to millions of children around the world through her Imagination Library. All at once she was kind, modest, and funny. With her music, her philanthropy, and her style, Dolly was one of one.
Doug and I send our prayers to her family, friends, and all those who have been touched by her magic. We will always love you, Dolly.
Global icon and humanitarian, Dolly Parton, known to the world as a beloved singer, songwriter, philanthropist, actress, playwright, and author died peacefully today in Nashville, Tennessee. She was 80 years old.
Dolly is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 59 years Carl Thomas Dean (1942 – 2025), her mother Avie Lee Caroline Owens (1923 – 2003), and father, Robert Lee Parton, Sr. (1921 – 2000).
A rhinestone life that shone bright enough for the world to see, Dolly will forever stand as an inspiration not only through her timeless music and prolific songwriting, but also her wit, warmth, and kindness that made us all feel like family. Dolly Parton’s legacy is one of love, compassion, and resilience. With a seven-decade career, she inspired multiple generations of artists and fans with her music and an unwavering commitment to making the world a better place. Her songs will continue to resonate with people of all ages, and her philanthropic work will have a lasting impact.
At Dolly’s request, a small, private service will be held for immediate family. Dolly’s fans and friends from around the world are encouraged to pay tribute to Dolly on social media by tagging @DollyParton or by leaving a message at https://t.co/cLu9I7M2wC
In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations to be made to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library at https://t.co/arzrqInqJA