Country music icon Dolly Parton dies at 80

Dolly Parton, a towering figure in country music whose career spanned decades and transcended genres, has died at 80. Her publicist announced her peaceful passing on Tuesday in Nashville, Tennessee. Parton's distinctive voice, songwriting prowess, and larger-than-life persona made her one of the most beloved and influential artists globally.

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Dolly Parton, whose distinctive voice and songwriting carried her from humble beginnings in rural Tennessee to decades of global fame as one of country music’s most influential figures, has died at 80.

Parton's prolific songwriting produced enduring classics such as "Jolene," "Coat of Many Colors," and "I Will Always Love You," collectively selling over 100 million records worldwide and garnering more than a billion online streams. Her performances, often featuring bejeweled banjos and guitars, were as iconic as her music. Beyond her musical achievements, Parton was a shrewd businesswoman and a dedicated philanthropist. Her theme park, Dollywood, in the Smoky Mountains, stands as a testament to her entrepreneurial spirit.

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Parton died peacefully Tuesday in Nashville, Tennessee, her publicist said in a statement.

Her career was deeply rooted in her upbringing as one of 12 children in a poor Tennessee family. This background inspired her to establish the Imagination Library, an education nonprofit dedicated to sending free books to children, a cause close to her heart as her father, who struggled with literacy, instilled in her the importance of reading. Parton's musical journey began in church and on local television, leading to her debut on the Grand Ole Opry at age 13. Her move to Nashville after high school marked the beginning of a remarkable ascent, with early support from producers who recognized her immense talent.

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She wrote hundreds of songs, including classics like "Jolene,” "Coat of Many Colors” and "I Will Always Love You,” that totaled more than 100 million worldwide sales and more than 1 billion online streams.