A Unique Tribute
Vin Diesel, known for his role in 'The Pacifier' and the 'Fast & Furious' franchise, posted a video on Instagram on Wednesday, the day after Dolly Parton's death, singing a soft and slow version of her 1974 classic 'I Will Always Love You.' The performance, set against a black-and-white photo of Parton, was described as soulful and emotional, leaving fans speechless.[S1]
The clip quickly spread to X (formerly Twitter), where reactions ranged from genuine awe to light-hearted jokes. One user joked about Diesel's 'Guardians of the Galaxy' character Groot, while others praised the tribute as 'honest and vulnerable.' Some fans even begged for a full version on streaming platforms.[S1]
Diesel's Musical History
This isn't Diesel's first foray into earnest singing. In 2013, he shared a video of himself singing Rihanna's 'Stay,' which he later clarified was a tribute to his longtime partner. In 2015, a video of him singing Tove Lo's 'Habits (Stay High)' emerged, believed to be a tribute to his late co-star Paul Walker.[S2]
Understand this article deeper
Diesel has also pursued a music career, debuting solo singles in 2020 on Kygo's record label, including a performance on the Kelly Clarkson Show. His history of dead-serious torch songs has been documented by outlets like Vice and Mic, noting the 'strangely beautiful' nature of his singing.[S2]
Mixed Reactions and Other Tributes
While Diesel's tribute was largely well-received, not all homages to Parton have been. Actor Ricky Schroder, who played Parton's father in TV movies, faced criticism for a post that mentioned his disagreement with Parton's advocacy for transgender and Covid vaccine support. Celebrities like Katie Couric and Boy George publicly condemned his remarks.[S1]
Parton's influence was also evident in a heartfelt note she sent to rapper Eminem in 2022, which he shared after her death. In the note, she expressed an unexplained connection to him and praised his talent. Parton's family has announced a small private funeral with no public memorial plans.[S1]
