Beloved country music icon and global cultural figure Dolly Parton has passed away at the age of 80, her family announced on Tuesday.
Her family confirmed her death in a video statement released on social media, noting that the legendary singer died peacefully following recent health struggles.
Born on January 19, 1946, in Tennessee, Parton built a career spanning nearly six decades. She rose to fame with timeless hit songs such as Jolene, 9 to 5, and I Will Always Love You, selling over 100 million records worldwide. Beyond her music career, she starred in major films like Steel Magnolias and 9 to 5.
Parton was also a businesswoman and philanthropist. She founded the Dollywood theme park in Tennessee and launched the Imagination Library, a non-profit initiative that has distributed over 178 million free books to children globally.
Tributes have begun pouring in worldwide for the multi-award-winning artist, honouring her contributions to music, culture, and humanitarian causes.
