Country music legend Dolly Parton, one of the world’s most celebrated singer-songwriters and philanthropists, has died aged 80.
Her death was announced by her nephew, Brian Seaver, on Instagram.
Parton was known for her powerful songwriting, distinctive voice and colourful personality.
She wrote some of country music’s most famous songs, including Jolene and I Will Always Love You.
She scored 25 US country number-one singles and had 47 albums reach the country Top 10. Her 1980 hit 9 to 5 also topped the US pop charts and earned her an Oscar nomination.
Parton was also a successful actress, appearing in films including 9 to 5, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas and Steel Magnolias.
Born into poverty in Tennessee, Parton grew up in a family of 12 children.
She began singing in church and performed at the Grand Ole Opry at the age of 13.
She moved to Nashville after finishing high school in 1964 and began her career as a songwriter before becoming a recording artist.
Her partnership with Porter Wagoner helped launch her career, while her later duet with Kenny Rogers, Islands in the Stream, became another major hit.
Parton was also widely praised for her philanthropy. Her Imagination Library literacy programme has provided more than 150 million books to children.
She was married to Carl Dean from 1966 until her death, with the couple renewing their vows in 2016 to mark their 50th wedding anniversary.
Parton won 10 Grammy Awards and remained one of country music’s most recognisable and beloved figures for decades.
Source: The Guardian
