Dolly Parton, the iconic American country music legend, has died at the age of 80. Her representative confirmed that the singer passed away peacefully in Nashville, Tennessee, on Tuesday (local time).
In a video posted on Parton's Instagram account, her nephew Bryan Seaver said: “Dolly lived in the light, and now she is in the arms of God, surely reuniting with Carl, her parents, and many others who have been watching over her from heaven.” He added: “Dolly opened the door for generations of singers, songwriters, composers, and dreamers from all walks of life across the continents. Through her example, we believe anything is possible. She never saw a door she couldn't open, and the doors she opened made history.”
Parton started performing in church, where her grandfather was a pastor, and made her debut at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville at just 13 years old, introduced by Johnny Cash as “the girl from East Tennessee.” She wrote hundreds of songs, including classics like “Jolene,” “9 to 5,” and “Coat of Many Colours,” carving out a level of class and public affection that few modern artists have achieved.
With her huge blonde wigs, sparkling outfits, and self-deprecating humor, Parton became one of the most recognizable faces in country music, rising from a poor cabin in Tennessee. Growing up in a family of 12 siblings, with a father who quit school early to farm and struggled with literacy, she later founded the nonprofit Imagination Library, sending free books to children across the state.
Fans have expressed sorrow at Parton's passing, sharing stories of her charm and her warmth and generosity throughout her career. U.S. President Donald Trump declared that flags would be flown at half-staff for a week in her honor. Kyle Young, CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, where Parton was inducted in 1999, remarked: “Dolly Parton's legacy is not fame, but humanity. She rose from poverty to become the most important daughter of Tennessee. She shared her wealth for the common good and poured her soul into every note.”
During her career, Parton received 55 Grammy nominations and won 10 awards, becoming the third most-nominated female artist in the history of the awards.
