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Dolly Parton Pays Touching Tribute To Olympia Dukakis After Her Death

Source: Screenshot YouTube/Screenshot YouTube

Academy Award-winning actress Olympia Dukakis, best known for her work in movies like Moonstruck and Steel Magnolias, passed away on Saturday at the age of 89. In the wake of her death, former costars of hers including Dolly Parton and Cher spoke out to pay tribute to her.

Dukakis Passes Away

Olympia Dukakis’ death was announced on Facebook by her brother Apollo.

“My beloved sister, Olympia Dukakis, passed away this morning in New York City,” he wrote alongside a photo her. “After many months of failing health she is finally at peace and with her Louis.”

My beloved sister, Olympia Dukakis, passed away this morning in New York City.

After many months of failing health she is finally at peace and with her Louis.

Posted by Apollo Dukakis on Saturday, May 1, 2021

Allison Levy, Dukakis’ rep., also confirmed her death in a statement to Entertainment Tonight.

“It is with deep sadness that we confirm the passing of Olympia Dukakis,” she said. “After months of failing health, Olympia Dukakis passed away this morning, May 1st, at her home in New York City, with her daughter Christina Zorich by her side.”

“Olympia was married to actor Louis Zorich, who passed away in 2018,” Levy added. “Her brother Apollo Dukakis, her sons Stefan and Peter Zorich, and four grandchildren thank you for your love, prayers, and kind remembrances during this difficult time.”

Dolly Parton Pays Tribute To Dukakis

Parton, who starred with Dukakis in the 1989 classic Steel Magnolias, remembered the late actress in a a statement released to Today.

“I was so sorry to hear that Olympia Dukakis had passed away,” Parton said. “She has been one of my favorite people that I have ever known or worked with. I really got very close to her and felt like we were good friends.”

“Even though I didn’t get to see her much, I thought of her often and knew that she was such a quality human being,” she added. “She will be missed by her fans, her family, and those of us that were lucky enough to get to know her personally.”

Parton and Dukakis’ Steel Magnolias costar Sally Field also honored Dukakis, telling Entertainment Tonight, “What can I say but I loved her? Everyone loved her. She was a gift..unique and talented and one of a kind. Rest in peace my friend Olympia.”

Cher Honors Her Co-Star

Cher, who starred with Dukakis in the 1988 movie Moonstruck, paid tribute to her as well.

“Olympia Dukakis Was an Amazing, Academy Award Winning Actress,” Cher wrote on Twitter. “Olympia Played My Mom In Moonstruck,& Even Though Her Part was That Of a Suffering Wife, We [laughed] ALL The Time. She Would Tell Me How MUCH She Loved Louis,Her ‘Handsome Talented,Husband.’ I Talked To Her 3 Wks Ago. Rip Dear One.”

Cher later took to Twitter again to recall the last conversation she had with Dukakis.

John Stamos shared his condolences with this image on Instagram:

Rest in peace, Olympia Dukakis.

James Conrad

James Conrad’s passion for politics is only overshadowed by his longstanding interest in Hollywood. His unique perspective as a gay conservative fuels him to challenge celebrity views and those who think they have a right to tell anyone how to think or vote. James proudly wields his minority point of view to combat identity politics and cut through his typecast. Fun fact: James’ guilty pleasure is the British royal family.