Dolly Parton, the legendary country singer, songwriter, actress and philanthropist who rose from humble beginnings in Tennessee to become one of the most beloved figures in American music, has died at age 80.
Parton died Tuesday, Aug. 25, in Nashville. Her family announced her death in a statement, saying she died peacefully. Her publicist, Marcel Pariseau, later said Parton died after “bravely facing a brief battle with cancer” at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, surrounded by loved ones. A small, private service is planned for close family members.
For more than half a century, Parton turned stories of love, heartbreak, poverty, ambition and family into some of the most enduring songs in country music.
She wrote thousands of songs and became a major figure far beyond country music, earning admiration for her generosity, humor and philanthropy.
Among her most enduring songs was “Coat of Many Colors,” inspired by her childhood and her mother’s efforts to make clothing for the family.
“Jolene” became one of her signature songs, telling the story of a woman desperately pleading with another woman not to take her lover. And “I Will Always Love You,” originally written and recorded by Parton, became an international standard and one of the most recognizable love songs ever written.
Parton also brought her songwriting and personality to the big screen with “9 to 5,” the hit song from the 1980 film in which she starred alongside Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin. The song became an anthem for working women and workers.
Parton’s influence stretched well beyond her record sales and awards. She invested heavily in literacy through her Imagination Library, supported medical and educational causes, and became known for a rare ability to bring people together across cultural and political divides. Reuters reported that she sold more than 100 million records and won 11 Grammy Awards, including a Lifetime Achievement Award.
Remembering Dolly Parton Through Her Music
- “Jolene”
- “I Will Always Love You”
- “9 to 5”
- “Coat of Many Colors”
- “Here You Come Again”
- “Islands in the Stream” — her famous duet with Kenny Rogers
- “Two Doors Down”
- “Joshua”
- “Why’d You Come in Here Lookin’ Like That”
- “Love Is Like a Butterfly”
- “Do I Ever Cross Your Mind”
- “The Seeker”
