The legendary Dolly Parton dies at age 80

Dolly Parton, the legendary country singer, songwriter, actress and philanthropist, has died at the age of 80.

Parton rose from a poor childhood in the Tennessee mountains to become one of the most recognizable and beloved entertainers in the world.

She wrote hundreds of songs, including country classics like “Jolene,” “Coat of Many Colors” and “I Will Always Love You.” Her songs have sold more than 100 million copies worldwide and generated more than a billion online streams.

Parton began performing in church as a child and was appearing on local television by age 10. At just 13, she made her debut at Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry.

After graduating high school in 1964, she moved to Nashville with a suitcase full of songs. By the 1970s, she had become one of country music’s biggest stars.

But Parton’s legacy extended well beyond music.

She founded the Imagination Library, which provides free books to children, inspired by her father’s struggles with reading.

She also founded Dollywood in East Tennessee, helping make the theme park a major tourist destination and economic force in Appalachia.

After wildfires devastated parts of the Smoky Mountains in 2016, Parton organized a telethon and provided monthly financial assistance to affected families.

Parton earned 10 Grammy Awards from 55 nominations and was inducted into both the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

She was also honored with the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award in 2025.

Known for avoiding political controversy, Parton often said she wanted to remain a unifying figure for fans on both sides of the political divide.

From her music to her philanthropy, Dolly Parton leaves behind a legacy that crossed generations, genres and political boundaries.