Jakarta, ThedailyID — Country music legend Dolly Parton died at the age of 80 on Tuesday (Aug. 25), following a brief battle with cancer. Her family and representatives confirmed her death, saying she died peacefully in Nashville surrounded by loved ones.
Parton leaves behind a career spanning nearly six decades. Born in Tennessee on Jan. 19, 1946, she grew up as one of 12 children in a poor family and began writing songs when she was around six years old.
She went on to become one of country music’s most influential singer-songwriters, with more than 3,000 songs credited to her. Her biggest hits include “Jolene,” “Coat of Many Colors,” and “I Will Always Love You,” the latter of which became a global hit through Whitney Houston’s version.
Beyond music, Parton built a lasting legacy through acting, business and philanthropy. She starred in films including 9 to 5 and Steel Magnolias, founded Dollywood and launched the Imagination Library, which has distributed more than 300 million books to children worldwide.
Her influence also extended to younger generations. Parton collaborated with artists including her goddaughter Miley Cyrus and, more recently, Sabrina Carpenter.
Days before her death, Parton spoke publicly about her health and remained determined to continue working.
“Even though I’m still healin’, I’m still workin’!” she said in a statement shared with People on Aug. 21. She added that she still had many things she wanted to achieve.
Her nephew, Bryan Seaver, announced her death in a video message, reflecting on the impact she had on those around her.
“By her example, we believed anything was possible,” Seaver said.
Tributes quickly poured in from across the entertainment industry. Sabrina Carpenter remembered Parton as an “angel walking on the earth,” while Kacey Musgraves wrote that the world suddenly felt “a lot less sparkly.”
Parton’s family said a private funeral service will be held for close relatives. Her music, philanthropy and decades of influence, however, are expected to keep her legacy alive for generations to come.
