Shania Twain hails Dolly Parton as 'ultimate example of being true to oneself'

Shania Twain has opened up about the influence that the late Dolly Parton had on her life.

The Man! I Feel Like a Woman! singer told Us Weekly that she deeply respected the late country star's commitment to authenticity.

"She is the ultimate example of being true to oneself in every way," Shania, 61, told the publication, remarking on how the legendary singer never abandoned her vision or perspective.

"I always admired that so much in her and it's empowered me a lot in my own life and in my career but also in my personal life," she said. "Dolly's going to be very missed because we can never get enough of Dolly, and we didn't get enough of Dolly. She's a big loss and she's on my mind."

The Jolene hitmaker died on 25 August, aged 80, after a "brief" battle with an undisclosed type of cancer.

After her passing, Shania paid a heartfelt tribute to her "mentor" on Instagram alongside video footage of them performing on The Oprah Winfrey Show in 2003, when they sang Coat of Many Colours as a duet.

"There is a hole in my heart but the joy of just the thought of her smile will continue to fill me with inspiration for as long as I live," she captioned the clip. "I will cherish this moment performing Coat Of Many Colors with Dolly forever. Goodbye Dolly. Rest in peace, beautiful angel."