Country icon and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame member Dolly Parton has died at age 80.
The country music star, actress, activist, author and global icon died in Nashville.
The news was announced in a statement from the PR firm True Public Relations, which included a video message from Parton’s nephew, Bryan Seaver.
Parton was born on Jan. 19, 1946, in Locust Ridge, Tennessee. Her big break came in 1967 when she was featured on country singer Porter Wagoner’s TV show until 1974.
Listen to Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers’ ‘Islands in the Stream’
Her hit song, “I Will Always Love You,” was written about Wagoner when she left his show to go solo.
She starred in the movies 9 to 5, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas and Straight Talk. In 1986, she opened the popular Dollywood theme park in the Smoky Mountains.
In 1987, Parton hosted her own TV variety show.
Listen to Dolly Parton’s ‘Jolene’
READ MORE: Interview – Dolly Parton Admits Her Rock Album Isn’t About Justifying Her Place in the Hall of Fame
She charted more than 100 country hits, including more than two dozen No. 1 hits, in her career.
Parton has earned Grammy awards, including a Lifetime Achievement Grammy in 2011; induction into the C&W Hall of Fame; the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame; and a Kennedy Center honor.
The final full length album released during her lifetime was 2023’s Rockstar, which she made after receiving the honor from the Rock Hall. On the record, she was joined by a litany of rock and metal stars, including past and present members of Judas Priest, Motley Crue, Journey, Fleetwood Mac, Bon Jovi and more.
What Songs Is Dolly Parton Best Known For?
Parton’s career started in 1959 with the single “Puppy Love.” In 1966, she had her first Top 25 country hit, “Dumb Blonde.”
Watch Dolly Parton’s ‘9 to 5’ Video
From there, her career took off, first as a duet partner with Wagoner, and then as a solo artist who placed dozens of songs on the country chart as well as several on the pop charts, including the No. 1 singles “9 to 5” and “Islands in the Stream,” a duet with Kenny Rogers.
According to the statement, “at Dolly’s request, a small, private service will be held for immediate family.”
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Gallery Credit: Chad Childers, Loudwire
