Country music icon Dolly Parton died aged 80 in Nashville on Tuesday, August 25, her family confirmed publicly.
Parton’s family announced her death, ending the career of one of country music’s biggest stars. She rose to global fame through hits including “Jolene” and “9 to 5.”
Parton also wrote “I Will Always Love You,” which became a worldwide hit. Whitney Houston later recorded the song for the 1992 film “The Bodyguard.”
Her music also reached South Africa through her work with Ladysmith Black Mambazo. The Grammy winning group joined Parton on “Two Little Soldiers” in 1992.
Beyond music, Parton built successful careers in acting, business and philanthropy. She founded Dollywood and launched Imagination Library, which provides books to children.
She leaves behind a six decade body of work spanning music, film and television. Her songs and charitable work reached audiences across generations and continents.