Country Music Icon Dolly Parton Dies at 80

Country music legend Dolly Parton, whose songs, unmistakable voice and larger-than-life personality made her one of the most beloved entertainers in American music, has died at the age of 80.

Parton’s family announced her death Tuesday, Aug. 25.

Born Jan. 19, 1946, in East Tennessee, Parton rose from a childhood in a family of 12 children to become an international music star. She began performing at an early age, appeared on the Grand Ole Opry as a teenager and later gained national attention through her partnership with Porter Wagoner.

Her songwriting produced some of country music’s most enduring songs, including “Jolene,” “Coat of Many Colors” and “I Will Always Love You.” She also crossed into pop music and film, starring in movies including 9 to 5, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas and Steel Magnolias. Her duet with Kenny Rogers, “Islands in the Stream,” became another of her signature hits.

Beyond entertainment, Parton became known for her philanthropy. Her Imagination Library has provided free books to children around the world, and her Dollywood theme park and foundation have had a major economic and charitable impact in her native East Tennessee.

Over a career spanning more than six decades, Parton sold more than 100 million records worldwide and was inducted into both the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

She leaves behind one of the most recognizable and influential legacies in the history of country music.