American Idol runner-up John Foster has found a deeply personal way to honor Dolly Parton, adding a new chorus to the song that became one of the most emotional moments of his journey on the show.
Foster first introduced millions of viewers to “Tell That Angel I Love Her” during Season 23 of American Idol in 2025, where he ultimately finished as runner-up behind Jamal Roberts.
The song originally carried an intensely personal meaning. Foster wrote it in memory of his friends Maggie Dunn and Caroline Gill, who lost their lives in a car crash on December 31, 2022.
His emotional performance quickly became one of his defining Idol moments. Foster struggled to contain his emotions while singing the song, and its message about remembering people who are gone resonated strongly with viewers.
Following Dolly Parton’s p/a/ssing at age 80 on August 25, Foster said he felt inspired to return to the song once again — this time adding new words specifically for the country music legend.
The additional chorus draws on images closely associated with Dolly, including her famous rhinestones, while reflecting on how much fans would give to hear her unmistakable voice one more time. Foster also incorporated a reference to the enduring love people around the world continue to feel for her.
Rather than simply posting the lyrics, Foster filmed himself singing the new chorus and shared the performance on social media. The stripped-down presentation placed the focus entirely on his voice and the emotion behind the new words.
Foster explained that the idea came to him after seeing countless tributes from people grieving Dolly and sharing stories about what she had meant to them. He said he believed Maggie and Caroline would not have minded him adding another chorus to their song for someone they likely admired too.
He ended his message by connecting all three women together, asking that Dolly, Maggie, Caroline and other loved ones who have been lost somehow know how deeply they are still loved.
This was not Foster’s first tribute to Dolly following her p/a/ssing. Earlier, he also shared a performance of “I Will Always Love You,” with listeners praising the young country singer for the emotion and restraint he brought to one of Dolly’s most famous songs.
“Tell That Angel I Love Her” has followed Foster throughout his rise from a young Louisiana singer to a nationally recognized country artist. A 2025 version of the song was officially released following his American Idol run, further establishing it as one of the songs most closely connected to him.
Now the song carries another layer of meaning. What began as Foster’s way of keeping the memories of two close friends alive has become a place for him to honor another person whose music touched generations — turning his signature song into a heartfelt farewell to Dolly Parton as well.
