Dolly Parton, a prominent figure in country music and a noted philanthropist, has died at the age of 80. Her nephew, Brian Seaver, announced her passing on Instagram, expressing a mix of pride and sadness. Parton's team confirmed that she died on Tuesday after a brief battle with cancer at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, surrounded by family.
Parton was known for her songwriting, having penned classics such as "I Will Always Love You" and "Jolene." Over her career, she achieved 25 No. 1 singles on the US country charts and received numerous accolades, including 10 Grammy Awards. She was also recognized for her philanthropic efforts, including the Imagination Library, which has distributed millions of books to children.
Born in a one-room cabin in Tennessee, Parton was the fourth of 12 children. She began her music career at a young age, performing on local television and releasing her first record at 13. After moving to Nashville, she initially struggled as a pop singer before finding success in country music. Her career included notable collaborations and performances, as well as acting roles in films such as "9 to 5" and "Steel Magnolias."
In addition to her music and acting, Parton was a successful businesswoman, founding the Dollywood theme park and the Dollywood Foundation. Her philanthropic work included contributions to education, healthcare, and disaster relief efforts. Parton also made significant donations to medical research, including a $1 million contribution to Covid-19 research that helped develop the Moderna vaccine.
Parton's legacy includes her influence on country music and her commitment to philanthropy, impacting countless lives through her work. A Broadway musical based on her life is set to open later this year.