Legendary American country music singer, songwriter and actress Dolly Parton has died at the age of 80, her family announced on Tuesday. She died peacefully in Nashville, with no cause of death immediately disclosed.
Parton, whose career spanned nearly six decades, sold more than 100 million records worldwide and wrote an estimated 3,000 songs. Her enduring hits included Jolene, Coat of Many Colors and I Will Always Love You, which later became a global hit for Whitney Houston. She won 11 Grammy Awards, including a Lifetime Achievement Award.
Born in 1946 and raised in a one-room cabin in Tennessee as one of 12 children, Parton grew up in poverty before moving to Nashville after high school to pursue music. She began performing on radio and television as a child and went on to become one of the most successful female artistes in country music history.
Beyond music, Parton built a successful acting career, starring in films including 9 to 5, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas and Steel Magnolias. She also became a successful businesswoman and philanthropist, notably establishing the Imagination Library literacy programme and supporting childhood education and other charitable causes.
Parton’s influence extended far beyond country music. Her distinctive personality, songwriting talent and philanthropy made her popular across generations and cultural divides. She was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, among numerous other honours.
Her death marks the end of an extraordinary career that transformed a childhood shaped by poverty into a legacy of music, entertainment, business and generosity. Her songs and humanitarian work are expected to continue influencing generations around the world.
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