American country music legend Dolly Parton has died at the age of 80 after a brief battle with cancer, her representatives have confirmed.
Parton, who rose from poverty in Tennessee to become one of the biggest names in American entertainment, died on Tuesday, according to her family.
Her nephew, Bryan Seaver, announced the death in an emotional social media video.
“Dolly has lived in the light and is in the arms of Jesus,” Seaver said, describing the late singer as someone who opened doors for generations of musicians, songwriters and dreamers.
Parton had reportedly been receiving treatment at a cancer facility after experiencing health problems in recent months. Her representatives told US media that she had battled cancer for a short period before her death.
The family did not initially disclose the specific type of cancer involved.
A Legendary Music Career
Born into poverty in Tennessee, Parton built an extraordinary career that spanned more than six decades.
She moved to Nashville shortly after graduating from high school in pursuit of a career in music. By 1967, she had become a recognised figure in American country music after joining Porter Wagoner’s television programme.
Parton went on to write around 3,000 songs and release 49 studio albums, alongside more than 100 compilation and collaborative albums.
Some of her most famous songs include Jolene, 9 to 5, Coat of Many Colours and I Will Always Love You.
Her song I Will Always Love You became a global hit after Whitney Houston recorded her own version for the film The Bodyguard.
Over the years, Parton earned the reputation of being the “Queen of Country Music” while also establishing herself as an actress, philanthropist and successful businesswoman.
Health Struggles Before Her Death
Parton had raised concerns about her health earlier this year when she announced the cancellation of a series of Las Vegas performances.
In videos shared on social media, she said treatment for an unspecified illness was going well but acknowledged that she was not yet ready to return to the stage.
Her death comes a year after the passing of her husband, Carl Dean.
Trump, Fans Pay Tribute
Tributes have continued to pour in following the news of Parton’s death.
US President Donald Trump ordered American flags to be lowered to half-staff across the country for one week in honour of the music icon.
“There has never been anyone like her, and never will,” Trump said in a tribute posted on Truth Social.
Fans also gathered at locations associated with Parton, including her hometown of Sevierville, Tennessee, to mourn the loss of the music legend.
Throughout her career, Parton’s songs were recorded and performed by numerous major artists, including Shania Twain, Sinéad O’Connor and the White Stripes.
From her humble beginnings in Tennessee to becoming an international entertainment icon, Dolly Parton leaves behind a legacy that has influenced generations of musicians and fans around the world.
