Dolly Parton, Queen of Country, Dies at 80: A Life in Six Songs

Dolly Parton, the legendary singer-songwriter, actress, and philanthropist often referred to as the Queen of Country, has passed away at the age of 80. She gained prominence in the late 1960s with songs that merged country and pop genres. A look back at her career features six notable tracks: 'Coat of Many Colors' (1971), her personal favorite about her impoverished upbringing; 'Jolene' (1973), inspired by a bank teller, which has been streamed over 913 million times; 'I Will Always Love You' (1974), famously interpreted by Whitney Houston; 'Light of a Clear Blue Morning' (1977), symbolizing her liberation; '9 to 5' (1980), marking her film debut; and 'Islands in the Stream' (1983), a collaboration with Kenny Rogers. She was married to Carl Dean for 60 years until his passing in 2025.