Dolly Parton, one of American country music’s most beloved stars, has died aged 80. With classic songs including "Coat of Many Colors," "Jolene" and "I Will Always Love You," she became one of the best-selling female artists of all time, with over 100 million records sold. Parton rose from poverty in rural Tennessee to become one of music’s global superstars, winning 11 Grammy awards, including a Lifetime Achievement Award. No cause of death was disclosed, but the singer’s publicist said she died peacefully in Nashville. Days earlier, she told People magazine she was dealing with unspecified health issues but planned to keep working. US President Donald Trump paid tribute to Parton, who became a much-respected philanthropist in her later life, saying it was a “true loss for millions of people.” In a post on social media, he said flags would be hung at half-staff in her honor. “There has never been anyone like her, and never will,” he wrote. “In her honor, I am lowering the American flag throughout the United States for a one week period beginning tonight at 6:00PM. Rest in Peace, Dolly!” ‘There will never ever be another you’ Parton's wholesome personality, combined with her towering blond hairdos, flamboyant costumes and giddy delight at holding center stage, endeared her to Americans of all backgrounds and helped introduce country music to international audiences. Over the years Parton hosted a TV variety show, starred in movies, and even created a theme park, Dollywood, a popular tourist spot in her home state of Tennessee – all in addition to her lauded work as a songwriter. In recent years, she was seen as a rare unifying figure at a time of deep political and social division. Fans flocked to the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville to pay their respects, with similar scenes seen at the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Tributes poured in from the across the music industry and beyond. Addressing “my buddy Dolly,” US country music superstar Reba McEntire said “you gave so much with your huge huge heart,” adding: “There will never ever be another you”. Fellow icon Paul McCartney thanked Parton for “the beautiful music you gave me and the whole world.” “Her songwriting, her singing and her philanthropy were unrivalled in the world of country music and it is hard to imagine living in a world without Dolly,” he added on Instagram. Dolly ‘opened doors for generations’ Announcing her death in a video statement on behalf of her family, Parton’s nephew Bryan Seaver said the family would “work diligently to ensure her spirit will live with us forever.” “Dolly opened doors not just for me, but for her entire family to reach the potential we didn’t even know was possible,” he said. “Dolly also opened doors for generations of singer-songwriters, musicians and dreamers from every walk of life and across every continent. By her example we believed that anything was possible.” Article includes reporting from Reuters
Dolly Parton is one of the best-selling female artists of all time. (Jason Kempin/Getty Images)
