John Foster is finding his own way to say goodbye to Dolly Parton, and he is doing it through a song that already holds a deeply personal meaning.
The former American Idol finalist became known to millions of viewers during Season 23 in 2025, where he finished as the runner up behind winner Jamal Roberts.
One of Foster’s most emotional moments on the show came when he performed his original song Tell That Angel I Love Her. He wrote the song after losing his close friends Maggie Dunn and Caroline Gill, who died in a car crash on December 31, 2022.
The heartbreaking song quickly became one of Foster’s most recognized performances. His emotional lyrics and powerful delivery touched viewers, turning Tell That Angel I Love Her into a signature part of his musical journey.
After Dolly Parton died on August 25, Foster decided to add another verse to the song, this time in memory of the country music legend.
The new lyrics are filled with love and sadness as Foster imagines Dolly shining among the stars and wishes fans could hear her voice one more time.
Foster shared a video of himself performing the new chorus on social media. He explained that the words came to him after seeing countless people grieving Dolly and sharing memories of what she meant to them.
He also connected the tribute to Maggie and Caroline, saying he believed they would not have minded him using their song to honor someone they surely loved as well.
Foster ended his message with a touching request to God to tell Dolly, Maggie, Caroline and the other loved ones people have lost that they are still loved.
But this was not Foster’s first musical tribute to Dolly.
“Sure the sun will come up,
And like her rhinestones, it will shine,
But what we’d give to hear her sweet voice,
Sing just one more time.
Each tear that falls around the world,
Says ‘we’ll miss you,’ from afar.
Lord, won’t you tell that angel,
We will always love her,
As y’all live in the stars.”
Soon after her death, he shared a beautiful performance of I Will Always Love You, one of Parton’s most beloved songs. His heartfelt version quickly gained attention online, with fans praising his voice and emotional delivery.
Many listeners also said they believed Dolly would have been proud to hear him sing her song.
Foster’s tributes are especially meaningful because both songs are connected to the idea of remembering people who are gone but never forgotten. What began as a song about two young women he lost has now become a way for Foster to honor Dolly as well.
Dolly’s family has also encouraged fans to keep her legacy alive by supporting causes she cared about. Instead of sending flowers, the family asked people to consider donating to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, the literacy program she created in 1995.
The organization has provided hundreds of millions of free books to children in several countries, continuing one of Dolly’s greatest missions long after her passing.
Foster also used his message to remind people about the foundations created in memory of Maggie Dunn and Caroline Gill. Both organizations continue work inspired by the lives of the two young women.
For Foster, music has always been a way to carry memories forward.
Now, his emotional tribute to Dolly gives fans another chance to remember a woman whose voice touched generations.
Dolly may be gone, but through songs like these, her voice and the love people have for her will continue to live on.