The country music’s most beloved star has passed away at the age of 80. Her family announced her death.
For almost 60 years, Parton’s unique vocal style, genuine lyrics, and charismatic larger-than-life persona wowed audiences.
She started creating songs when she was a child and wrote her first recorded song, a lovely song that she called Little Tiny Tasseltop, when she was around six years old, about her favourite corncob doll.
Parton has since emerged as one of the world’s biggest-selling female artists of all time, with over 100 million records sold.
She went on to win 11 Grammy Awards, a Lifetime Achievement Award and deliver a series of timeless classics like Jolene, Coat of Many Colours, and I Will Always Love You.
In addition to music, Parton made a successful transition to a career in television, film and business.
She hosted her own variety show, starred in a number of popular films and established Dollywood, one of the biggest theme parks in her native state, Tennessee.
She was not only popular with country music fans; she was popular with everyone. Parton’s signature tall blonde pixie cut, bright colours and kind nature made her an international cultural icon and she has always stayed close to her roots.
She was born Dolly Rebecca Parton on January 19, 1946 in Pittman Centre, Tennessee and she was the 12th child in a poor farming family in a one-room cabin. Avie Lee, her mother, introduced her to traditional songs from England, Ireland and Wales.
Parton used to be a popular figure in every political and social facet, and her music was a reflection of her early life.
Through music, entertainment, business and philanthropy, her influence as an American entertainer of her time is undeniable.
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