Bebe Rexha Reflects on Collaborating with Dolly Parton: "She Left a Little Piece of Herself with Me Forever"

Bebe Rexha is reflecting on her time working with Dolly Parton. The country legend died at age 80 on August 25 after a "brief battle with cancer," and Rexha, 36, took to Instagram the following day to look back on recording their collaboration "Seasons" from the pop star's 2023 Bebe album.

Rexha shared footage from the "Seasons" music video on Instagram alongside a heartfelt note directed to the late "Jolene" singer. "Dear Dolly, getting to sing with you was one of those dreams I never really believed would become real until it did," she began. "I remember receiving your signed letter and thinking how incredibly special it was that someone as legendary as you could still make another person feel so seen. And then I got to work with you."

A Memorable Collaboration

"What I remember most wasn't just your voice or your talent. It was your energy. Your class. Your kindness. Your humor. And I still remember being on set looking at you thinking, how is her corset tighter than mine and are heels higher than mine?" wrote Rexha. "You were completely done up, completely glamorous, and somehow still had more energy than everyone in the room."

The "Meant to Be" singer praised Parton's ability to be "unapologetically" herself. "Watching your interviews over the years taught me that you never needed to make yourself smaller or to make other people comfortable," she said. "You could be glamorous and brilliant, funny and strong, feminine and powerful, all at the same time."

"You showed generations of women that there is strength in knowing exactly who you are," continued Rexha, noting that she'll "always be grateful" to have crossed paths and worked with Parton. "'Seasons' will forever mean something different to me because your voice is on it."

"Some people you meet and remember. Some people leave a little piece of themselves with you forever. You were one of those people," she added. "Thank you for the music, the wisdom, the laughter, the sparkle, and for showing all of us what it looks like to live completely and unapologetically as yourself."

Parton's death was announced by her nephew, Bryan Seaver, on August 25. Later that day, reps for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame member told PEOPLE in a statement that she died after a "brief battle with cancer." The type of cancer was not disclosed.

A Dream Come True

In a 2023 interview with PEOPLE, Rexha opened up about how she "always wanted to work with Dolly Parton" before they made "Seasons" together. "She is an inspiration to me, not just as an artist, but as a human and a songwriter as well," she said at the time.

The "I'm Good (Blue)" performer also detailed filming the "Seasons" music video with Parton, whom she described as "the sweetest person." "I don't think anybody could ever say anything bad about her. She is truly the kindest person, and she's also really funny," said Rexha. "She had me laughing the whole time we were shooting the music video, and she's just such a nice person to be around. She was like, 'I love you. I'm going to adopt you.' I'm like, 'Okay, you said that in front of my whole team, so I have receipts.'"

Rexha's tribute captures the essence of what made Parton so special to so many. Her kindness, humor, and unapologetic authenticity left an indelible mark on everyone who crossed her path. For Rexha, the collaboration on "Seasons" was not just a professional milestone but a deeply personal experience that she will carry with her forever.

As the world continues to mourn Parton's loss, her influence lives on through the artists she inspired and the music she left behind. Rexha's heartfelt words serve as a reminder of the profound impact Parton had on those who had the privilege of working with her.