Sophie Cunningham Shares Emotional Tribute To Late Musician With Dolly Parton Reference

On Tuesday, Sophie Cunningham joined many people who were shocked by the death of musical legend Dolly Parton, who died at the age of 80 after her battle with cancer. 

After the news broke out about Parton’s passing, the Indiana Fever guard went to Instagram to share her thoughts on it. 

“Country music and the entire world will never be the same without Dolly. So the only way forward is to be more like Dolly. Be kind to your neighbor. Do good in the world. Help others. Spread a little more love. Be like Dolly,” Cunningham wrote. 

During a time when many people are debating about her comments on transgender athletes in women’s sports back in July, Cunningham’s message for Parton showed that she may not align herself with seeing trans athletes in women’s sports, it doesn’t stop her from showing love to their community. 

Jul 15, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham (8) celebrates a made basket while Golden State Valkyries guard Kaila Charles (6) defends in the first half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

Parton’s legacy will always be remembered through her hit songs “Jolene,” “Here You Come Again,” and “9 to 5.” Not to mention the 11 Grammy Awards she’s won throughout her career as a country music icon. 

“That’s what sports is all about”: Sophie Cunningham applauds crowd in Toronto 

About a week ago, Sophie Cunningham and the Indiana Fever travelled to Toronto to face the Tempo and went home with a 101-95 win. 

Jun 20, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham (8) reacts to a foul call during the game against the Atlanta Dream during the second quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images

However, what made the win more special was the fact that they won the game despite the fans creating a hostile atmosphere for Cunningham and her teammates, which the Fever guard applauded.

“I want to shout out the Tempo crowd and the city. I think we’ve had so much fun…The crowd was absolutely amazing, and I think that’s what sports is all about,” Cunningham said. “You’re gonna get boos, you’re gonna get cheers, but just the fact that they’re so passionate…I think it’s amazing.”

Despite the hostility, Cunningham rose above it and had 13 points on 3-for-3 shooting from rainbow territory that night.