Dolly Parton, Country Music Icon, Dies at 80

Dolly Parton, the beloved country music star who rose from humble beginnings in Tennessee to become a global cultural icon, has died at the age of 80, her family announced Tuesday.

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Dolly has lived in the light and is in the arms of Jesus.

Parton's career transcended music; she was a prolific songwriter with an estimated 3,000 songs to her name, a successful actress in major Hollywood films, and a generous philanthropist who donated millions to charities. Her business ventures included the popular Dollywood theme park, cosmetics, pet apparel, and baking mixes. Her nephew, Bryan Seaver, announced her death, stating, "Dolly has lived in the light and is in the arms of Jesus." He added that the multiple award-winning artist, known for her distinctive style, "opened doors for generations of singers, songwriters, musicians, and dreamers from every walk of life."

Parton died after a brief battle with cancer, according to her third cousin Brent Allen. Allen described her as "one of the last of the salt of the earth" who "brought people together." Her husband, Carl Dean, passed away last year. A small private funeral service is planned.

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She opened doors for generations of singers, songwriters, musicians, and dreamers from every walk of life.

The news of Parton's death sparked immediate and widespread reactions. President Donald Trump called it a "true loss for millions of people," stating, "There has never been anyone like her, and never will." The Grand Ole Opry, a revered institution in country music, posted on social media, "May her legacy live on through her songs, the lives she touched, and the countless artists she inspired. There will never, ever be another one like her."

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I feel like she's one of the last of the salt of the earth. She brought people together.

Her co-stars from the 1980 film "9 to 5," Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin, expressed their devastation. Fonda called the news "devastating," while Tomlin simply stated, "No words." The Empire State Building in New York was scheduled to be lit pink in tribute to Parton's hit song and movie. Born in 1946 in rural Tennessee as one of 12 children, Parton moved to Nashville after high school. By age 21, she was a recognized figure in American music, joining Porter Wagoner's syndicated television show. Her career spanned six decades, producing hits like "Jolene," "Coat of Many Colors," and "I Will Always Love You," the latter becoming an international success for Whitney Houston. Her prolific output included 49 studio albums and over 100 compilation and collaborative works.

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There has never been anyone like her, and never will.