Country music legend Dolly Parton has died at the age of 80. Her nephew, Bryan Seaver, announced her death on Tuesday, August 25, on behalf of the Parton and Owens families.
Parton was one of the most influential figures in country music, enjoying a career that spanned more than six decades and produced global hits including Jolene, 9 to 5 and I Will Always Love You.
Beyond music, she established herself as an accomplished actress, entrepreneur and philanthropist. She sold more than 100 million records worldwide and received numerous honours throughout her career, including multiple Grammy Awards and induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
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Parton also founded Dollywood, the popular theme park in Tennessee, and became widely celebrated for her philanthropic efforts. Among her most notable initiatives was the Imagination Library, a literacy programme that provides free books to children.
Her death marks the passing of one of the most recognisable and enduring figures in American popular culture The cause of death was not immediately disclosed.
