World ‘less sparkly’ after death of Country queen Dolly Parton
Queen of country music and the singer and songwriter behind Jolene, 9 to 5 and I Will Always Love You, Dolly Parton has died at the age of 80.
Source: Instagram (Dolly Parton)
Flags in the US will fly at half-mast for a week after the “peaceful” death of irrepressible country music icon Dolly Parton at the age of 80.
Parton’s family released a video sharing that one of the best-selling female artists of all time had passed away on Tuesday (US time).
The charismatic musician, whose heartfelt lyrics captured the public’s imagination for nearly six decades, was best known for her genre-defining hits, including 9 To 5, I Will Always Love You and Jolene.
TMZ reported that Dolly was admitted to Vanderbilt University Medical Centre in Nashville on early on Friday (US time) with kidney and autoimmune issues.
Parton’s nephew and her security chief Brian Seaver made the announcement about “Dolly Rebecca Parton Dean” on behalf of her family.
“Sister, Sis and Granny to one generation and Gigi to the next,” he said.
“This video announcement is something Dolly asked of me years ago, before I fully absorbed it as a future reality.
“As her head of security for more than two decades, a role my father Larry held before me, I have imagined the heaviness of this moment but haven’t truly felt it until now.”
Seaver said it was an honour “that is mixed with absolute pride and great sadness”.
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“But sadness lies with us, not with Dolly,” he said.
“Dolly has lived in the light and is in the arms of Jesus, surely met by [late husband] Carl [Dean], her parents and countless others who have watched her and longed to meet her in the heavens.”
Only four days before she died, Dolly told People: “I still have so many things I want to achieve.”
“So I’m gonna keep on working as long as I can to see everything come to life.”
She also told People she was dealing with health issues that she “didn’t pay attention to” when she was watching over Dean, her late husband of nearly 59 years. He died in March 2025.
“Seriously, though, even though I’m still healin’, I’m still workin’!”
Dolly Parton entertained fans for nearly six decades. Photo: AAP
Tributes began pouring in for the much-loved star. US President Donald Trump said her death was a “true loss for millions of people.”
“There has never been anyone like her, and never will. In her honour, I am lowering the American flag throughout the United States for a one-week period beginning tonight at 6pm.
“Rest in Peace, Dolly! The World loves you.”
Australian country music star Keith Urban said he was “heartbroken” and had “no words right now”.
Actor Julia Roberts, who co-starred with Parton in Steel Magnolias (1989), said the singer was “a magical and joyous human” and “treasure”.
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“The sun has dimmed today,” she said.
Singer Kasey Musgraves wrote on X: “The world feels a lot less sparkly all of a sudden.”
Dolly won 11 Grammy awards, including a Lifetime Achievement Award and had 25 songs reach No. 1 on the Billboard Country charts.
With classic songs such as Coat of Many Colours, Jolene and I Will Always Love You, she became one of the best-selling female artists of all time, with over 100 million records sold.
Parton’s wholesome personality, combined with her towering blonde hairdos, flamboyant costumes and giddy delight at holding centre stage, endeared her to Americans of all backgrounds and helped introduce country music to international audiences.
Over the years Parton hosted a TV variety show, starred in movies, and even created a theme park, Dollywood, a popular tourist spot in her home state of Tennessee — all in addition to her lauded work as a songwriter.
But the quality that gave her enduring star power was her ability to connect with people. Coming from a self-described “dirt-poor” family, Parton often stood in as a symbol of the working-class American and regularly threw her name and money behind causes she believed in.
A grieving fan at Dolly Parton’s Hollywood Walk of Fame star following her death. Photo: AAP
In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, Parton donated $US1 million ($1.4 million) to vaccine research and she conducted a literacy program for preschool children across the US, as well as in Canada, Britain, Australia and Ireland.
It was this ability to stay true to her roots, combined with her drive to work hard and her nonpartisanship, that fuelled her appeal among conservatives and liberals in a politically-polarised America.
Parton made her movie debut in 1980’s 9 to 5, with the title tune earning her an Oscar nomination for songwriting. She got another in 2006 for Travelin’ Thru, written for the film Transamerica.
Her other movie acting roles included The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, Steel Magnolias, Rhinestone and Straight Talk.
Despite all her accolades and achievements, Parton found the greatest meaning in her art.
“I feel like I’m closest to God when I write,” she wrote in Dolly Parton, Songteller.
“A great line will just come to me, and I’ll go, ‘Hey, thank You, Lord. I know I didn’t think of that.’”
“At the end of the day, I hope that I will be remembered as a good songwriter. The songs are my legacy.”
-with AAP
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