Dolly Parton, queen of country music and humanitarian hero, dead at 80

Key Points:

• Dolly Parton, the iconic American country music star and philanthropist, died peacefully at age 80 in Nashville after a brief battle with cancer, according to a family statement and her publicist. A private service will be held for close family.
• Over a career spanning more than 50 years, Parton wrote over 3,000 songs, including classics like "Jolene," "I Will Always Love You," and "9 to 5," becoming one of the most successful country crossover artists and earning 11 Grammy Awards.
• Parton was also a devoted philanthropist, founding the Dollywood Foundation and the Imagination Library, which has gifted over 300 million books to children worldwide, and contributing to COVID-19 vaccine research funding.
• Born in rural Tennessee to a poor family, Parton rose to fame through her music and television appearances, notably on "The Porter Wagoner Show," before launching a successful solo career and acting in films such as "9 to 5" and "Steel Magnolias."
• She maintained a private personal life, married to Carl Dean for 59 years until his death in 2025, and was known for her acceptance and support of diverse communities, emphasizing love and nonjudgment throughout her life and career.