Dolly Parton Dies at 80
Country music legend Dolly Parton has died at the age of 80, her family announced Tuesday. The singer, songwriter and actress passed away peacefully in Nashville, according to her publicist.
Parton’s representatives have now revealed that she died after a brief battle with cancer. She died at Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville, surrounded by loved ones, according to a statement released Tuesday.
Her representatives praised her lifelong generosity, saying Parton spent her career bringing joy, laughter, hope and integrity to everything she touched. They also highlighted her charitable work, including her Imagination Library and support for medical research.
A Musical Career That Started Young
Parton began writing songs when she was around six years old. Her first song, “Little Tiny Tasseltop,” was about a corncob doll with corn silk hair that her mother kept in a shoebox.
By the age of 11, she was performing on a local radio station, and at 13 she appeared at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville.
After finishing high school, Parton moved to Nashville and began working with country singer Porter Wagoner. Their partnership produced 14 top ten duets before she launched her solo career.
Global Country Music Icon
Parton became one of the best selling female artists in music history, selling more than 100 million records worldwide. She won 11 Grammy Awards and became known for timeless songs including “Jolene,” “Coat of Many Colors” and “I Will Always Love You.”
Her songwriting reached audiences far beyond country music. Whitney Houston’s version of “I Will Always Love You” became one of the most famous recordings of all time, while artists including Beyoncé and The White Stripes have also covered her songs.
More Than a Musician
Parton also built a successful career in film and television, starring in movies including 9 to 5 and Steel Magnolias. She founded Dollywood, a major theme park in Tennessee, and supported numerous charitable causes.
She donated $1 million toward COVID 19 vaccine research at Vanderbilt University and created literacy and scholarship programs for children and students.
A Legacy That Will Last
Parton wrote an estimated 3,000 songs throughout her life and was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
For Parton, songwriting was always at the heart of her life. Her music, generosity and unmistakable personality made her one of the most beloved figures in American entertainment.
Her family said she never stopped believing that anything was possible, leaving behind a legacy that will continue through generations.
