American country music legend Dolly Parton has died at the age of 80, bringing an end to a remarkable career that lasted more than six decades and made her one of the most influential entertainers in the world.
Parton’s family announced her death on Tuesday, with her nephew paying tribute to the singer and describing the impact she had on generations of musicians, songwriters and fans.
The Tennessee-born star rose from a childhood of poverty to become a global music icon, businesswoman, actress and philanthropist.
Parton began writing songs as a child and had already performed on the Grand Ole Opry stage at just 13. After graduating from high school, she moved to Nashville, where her career quickly gained momentum.
By 1967, she had become a regular on Porter Wagoner’s television show, bringing her music and personality into millions of American homes.
Her songwriting eventually produced some of country music’s most enduring songs, including “Jolene,” “Coat of Many Colors” and “I Will Always Love You.”
“I Will Always Love You,” which Parton originally wrote following her professional separation from Wagoner, later became a worldwide hit after Whitney Houston recorded it for The Bodyguard soundtrack.
Parton reportedly wrote about 3,000 songs throughout her career and released dozens of studio albums, along with numerous compilation and collaborative projects.
Her success was not limited to country music. She also became a Hollywood star through films including 9 to 5 and Steel Magnolias, while her music crossed into the pop charts through songs such as “Islands in the Stream.”
More Than a Music Star
Parton turned her fame into a vast business empire, launching Dollywood, a theme park in Tennessee, in 1986.
She also ventured into publishing, music production, radio and restaurants while building a reputation as one of America’s most successful entertainers.
Away from entertainment, Parton was known for her philanthropic work. Her literacy programme has distributed millions of books to children, while she donated $1 million to Vanderbilt University in 2020 to support research that contributed to the development of Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine.
Her career earned her numerous honours, including 10 Grammy Awards and a Kennedy Center Honor.
She was also inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2022, after initially expressing reservations about the nomination.
Despite her fame and fortune, Parton frequently drew attention to her humble upbringing in rural Tennessee and maintained a distinctive public image that combined glamour, humour and her unmistakable musical style.
She never had children and once suggested that her songs would be her legacy and continue to support her as she grew older.
Dolly Parton leaves behind a musical catalogue that influenced generations of performers and a legacy that extended far beyond country music.
Source: AFP / Dolly Parton’s family.
