Dolly Parton, Country Music Icon and Philanthropist, Dies at 80
Dolly Parton, the iconic singer-songwriter, passed away at the age of 80. Her nephew, Bryan Seaver, shared the news via a social media video, honoring her wish to make the announcement. Seaver conveyed both pride and sorrow, mentioning that Parton has reunited with her late husband, Carl Dean. Born in Tennessee in 1946, she began her singing career at six and relocated to Nashville in 1964. Parton rose to prominence on The Porter Wagoner Show, achieving her first No. 1 hit with "Joshua" in 1971. She appeared in the film 9 to 5 in 1980, and her song "I Will Always Love You" gained immense popularity when Whitney Houston covered it in 1992. Parton sold over 100 million records and established the Dollywood Foundation. Numerous tributes emerged following her death.
Key facts
- Dolly Parton died at age 80.
- Her nephew Bryan Seaver announced her death in a social media video.
- Parton was born in Tennessee in 1946, the fourth of 12 children.
- She moved to Nashville in 1964 and gained fame through The Porter Wagoner Show.
- Her first country No. 1 was "Joshua" in 1971.
- "Jolene" was released in 1973 and became a country No. 1.
- She starred in 9 to 5 with Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda in 1980.
- "I Will Always Love You" became a hit for Whitney Houston in 1992.
- She sold over 100 million records and won 11 Grammy Awards.
- She founded the Dollywood Foundation in 1988, which created The Imagination Library.
- The Imagination Library has donated over 332 million books.
- Tributes came from The Muppets, Jack White, Kacey Musgraves, and Reba McEntire.
Entities
Artists
- Dolly Parton
- Whitney Houston
- Lily Tomlin
- Jane Fonda
- Jack White
- Kacey Musgraves
- Reba McEntire
- Carl Dean
- Bryan Seaver
- Larry Seaver
Institutions
- The Porter Wagoner Show
- The Muppets
- Dollywood Foundation
- The Imagination Library
- Grammy Awards
- Country Music Association
- Academy of Country Music
- Academy Awards
- Billboard
- People Magazine
Locations
- Tennessee
- Nashville
- United States