NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Dolly Parton, one of country music’s most singular performers and a beloved cultural figure, passed away peacefully at her home in Nashville on Friday, aged 80.
The legendary singer‑songwriter, known for timeless hits such as “Jolene,” “I Will Always Love You,” and “9 to 5,” left a career spanning more than six decades, during which she sold over 100 million records worldwide and earned 11 Grammy Awards.
Parton’s influence extended far beyond music. She founded the Imagination Library, a literacy program that has gifted over 150 million books to children in the United States and abroad. She also championed numerous charitable causes, including disaster relief, health research, and the preservation of Appalachian heritage.
Tributes poured in from across the globe. President Joe Biden called her “a true American treasure,” while fellow musicians such as Beyoncé, Chris Stapleton, and Garth Brooks shared heartfelt memories of her generosity and mentorship.
A private funeral service will be held at the Dollywood theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, where Parton’s family has requested that fans celebrate her life by listening to her music and supporting the Imagination Library.
In a statement released by her publicist, the Parton family expressed gratitude for the outpouring of love and asked that donations be directed to the Imagination Library in her memory.