John Mayer honoured Dolly Parton with an emotional tribute during an intimate SiriusXM performance in the Hamptons this week.

Speaking to the exclusive audience, which featured music legend Sir Paul McCartney and Back to the Future star Michael J. Fox, the singer explained that Dolly’s death at 80 on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, had brought people together in a way he had not witnessed “for a long time.”

During his conversation with host Andy Cohen, John said: “Dolly would be really happy to see that ... the world came together in a way that it hadn’t in a very long time to celebrate someone. While the world is paying tribute to one person and one soul, which feels good on its own, we’re all connected while that’s happening. I haven’t felt connected like that for a long time.”

John also celebrated the country legend’s influence on several generations, describing her as one of the few individuals able to unite people from different backgrounds.

He added: “Here’s a human being who carried herself through every decade of her life perfectly. I don’t know that there are many people in this world left that can galvanise a very fractured world to come together and share love for one person. This is one human being who’s left this incredible testament to love throughout their whole life and you can feel it. This is what a life well-lived looks like, feels like, sounds like.”

John continued remembering Dolly through music during his Wednesday, August 26, 2026, appearance at Stephen Talkhouse.

Although audience members requested Jolene, the performer instead chose to sing I Will Always Love You.

John and Dolly initially crossed paths in Nashville at the 2010 All for the Hall benefit show, where their shared friend Keith Urban introduced them.

The 48 year old musician also hinted that fresh material is on the way, explaining that he has spent time composing songs while visiting Cohen’s Hamptons residence.

He revealed: “We’ll sing new songs again very soon."

John can also be heard on the title song from Alex Warren’s latest album, Wildchild, released today, August 28, 2026.

His powerful guitar solo carries added emotional meaning because the recording features a voice message from Alex’s late father, whose favourite artist was John.

In the audio clip, he asks: “Are you having fun, Alex?”