Dolly Parton Dies At 80, Tributes Pour In As Flags Lowered Nationwide

Dolly Parton has died at the age of 80 following a brief battle with cancer, according to her representatives and publicist.The country music legend passed peacefully on Tuesday at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville, Tennessee, surrounded by loved ones.

Her death was announced by her nephew and head of security, Bryan Seaver.Our beloved Dolly Parton spent her life and career bringing joy, laughter, hope and integrity into everything she touched. Whether it be the hundreds of millions of books donated through her invaluable Imagination Library or funding research that helped create a lifesaving vaccine used around the world, Dolly’s unconditional love for all people was the guiding force for her lasting impact.After bravely facing a brief battle with cancer, Dolly departed her Earthly life today at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center surrounded by loved ones.

National tribute and global reaction

US President Donald Trump ordered American flags across the country to be flown at half-staff for one week beginning Tuesday at 6 p.m. He said it was a true loss for millions and that no one had ever been like her. Pictures overnight showed the US flag flying at half-mast outside the Nashville Metropolitan Courthouse in Tennessee. The court, along with famous national landmarks including the Empire State Building in New York, was also illuminated in pink. Former US President Joe Biden called Parton an American original and a relentless advocate for women and equality, praising her charity work of providing books to children around the world.

In the UK, the Prime Minister said initiatives from Parton’s Imagination Library first started to be felt in communities across Britain when he served as culture secretary in the late 2000s. What a legacy to leave, and it’s so moving to hear about her dad and how that experience made her want to give back so much. She leaves that legacy, as well as great music that people will treasure forever. Other stars like Taylor Swift said this doesn’t feel possible. Sir Elton John called her unique. Sir Paul McCartney said we will always love you. Beyoncé said she was a north star for me. Kiss frontman Gene Simmons said there will never be another Dolly. Glastonbury organiser remembered her as untouchable. Fans held a vigil at her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles, laying candles, flowers and singing her songs.

A seven-decade career

The Tennessee-born singer had a career spanning seven decades. She wrote hits including Jolene and I Will Always Love You, recorded 25 No. 1 songs on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart, and won 10 Grammy Awards from 55 nominations. She was inducted into both the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.  Beyond music, she was a songwriter, actress, author, businesswoman, and philanthropist. Parton established the Dollywood Foundation in 1988 and later created the Dolly Parton Scholarship for students from Sevier County, Tennessee. She donated $1 million to Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in 2017 and supported victims of the East Tennessee wildfires. Senior Democrat official Donna Brazile said the singer also spent decades quietly funding band uniforms and instruments at Black high schools across the South with no headlines or fanfare.

Written by News Room