As the news of Burt Reynolds’ death started to spread on Thursday afternoon (Sept. 6), country stars rushed to social media to reflect on the life of the leading man in so many stories on both big and small screens.
Dolly Parton was one of the first to share her heartfelt condolences, after having worked with Reynolds on the 1982 comedy The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas. Parton was the madam Mona Stangley to Reynolds’ sheriff Ed Earl Dodd.
“Oh how sad I am today along with Burt‘s millions of fans around the world as we mourn one of our favorite leading men. I know we will always remember his funny laugh, that mischievous sparkle in his eyes, and his quirky sense of humor. You will always be my favorite sheriff,” Parton wrote, “rest in peace my little buddy and I will always love you, Dolly.”
Brad Paisley took the time to cover Don Williams’ “If Hollywood Don’t Need You,” and telling the world that Reynolds taught country boys how to be cool.
Reba shared the silverscreen with Reynolds, too. In 1993 they co-starred in The Man From Left Field. She shared her goodbyes, along with the other stars who had a connection to Reynolds, including Blake Shelton, LeAnn Rimes Cibrian, Mark Wills, Big Kenny, John Rich, Travis Tritt and Billy Ray Cyrus.
— Dolly Parton (@DollyParton) September 6, 2018
My good friend has started a new journey. Rest in my peace my friend. I’ll never forget the wonderful times we spent together. #BurtReynolds pic.twitter.com/DXzIchYDjl
— Reba McEntire (@reba) September 6, 2018
Extremely sad to hear about the passing of Burt Reynolds.. Possibly my favorite personality of all time. Thoughts and prayers to his friends and family.
— Blake Shelton (@blakeshelton) September 7, 2018
Goodbye for now my friend! You were truly one of a kind. Working with you on “Reel Love” and getting to call you “Dad” is a time I will cherish forever. Til we meet again. #RIPBurtReynolds #BurtReynolds #loveyou #goodbyemyfriend pic.twitter.com/EyYGWAIkz9
— LeAnn Rimes Cibrian (@leannrimes) September 6, 2018
Gonna miss you “Bandit.”
Rest In Peace #burtreynolds https://t.co/FPPlP1iapS— Mark Wills (@MarkWillsMusic) September 6, 2018
“Keep your foot hard on the pedal. Son, never mind them brakes.” See you when we get there, Bandit. #RIPBurtReynolds pic.twitter.com/bhhfb97iA1
— Big Kenny Alphin (@BigKennyTV) September 6, 2018
We’ll miss you #BurtReynolds #RIPBurtReynolds pic.twitter.com/enD3Lctn1v
— John Rich (@johnrich) September 6, 2018
So sad to hear of the passing of Burt Reynolds. Loved his swagger, sense of humor and good ole boy persona. #RIPBurtReynolds https://t.co/VHfn5epQRJ
— Travis Tritt (@Travistritt) September 6, 2018
Editor’s note: CMT will air encore presentations of The Bandit the 2016 documentary about Smokey & the Bandit through the weekend. The encore presentations are set for Friday (Sept. 7) at 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. ET and Saturday (Sept. 9) at 12 p.m. ET following an all-new CMT Hot 20 Countdown. Without a Paddle will also air on Friday following the 10 p.m. airing.