Dolly Parton Has Died At 80

Brian MacKenzie Teepell/USPA 24 News - The world is mourning Dolly Parton after her family confirmed that the country music legend died Tuesday at the age of 80.
Across a career spanning nearly six decades, Parton became one of the most influential entertainers of her generation.

John Schneider, Dukes of Hazzard star and singer, had this to say: "There truly has not been a sweeter more talented or caring performer that I’ve worked with in my lifetime. While we had all heard about health issues, this has come as an absolute shock. The good news is that heaven has just admitted a new resident who absolutely defined the term angelic here on earth for 80 years. Dolly… Your talent, your spirit, and most of all your sense of humor will be greatly missed down here. Until next we meet."

Former frontman for Journey, Steve Perry had these words to share: "I just heard the very sad news about Dolly Parton. I so very much enjoyed working with her on her ‘Rockstar’ record and talking with her. A true timeless legend she will always be. With love, Steve"

Born in the mountains of East Tennessee, Dolly transformed the experiences of family, poverty, work, heartbreak, faith, and hope into songs that spoke to millions. Like so many of America’s greatest songwriters, she understood that the most deeply personal stories can also be universal ones. She wrote about where she came from without ever being confined by it. Her impact extended far beyond country music. As a songwriter, performer, actress, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, Dolly crossed genres and generations while remaining unmistakably herself. Songs including “Coat of Many Colors,” “Jolene,” “9 to 5,” and “I Will Always Love You” became part of the American songbook, interpreted and reinterpreted by artists across country, pop, rock, soul, and beyond.

Perhaps even more remarkable than her extraordinary accomplishments was the way Dolly used her success to give back. She wanted to leave the world a better place than she had found it. Dolly declared a lifelong commitment to literacy, education, and the communities that shaped her. Her influence offstage was every bit as significant as it was on it.

Dolly Parton showed us just how much one songwriter, armed with a guitar, an unforgettable voice, and a remarkable gift for telling a story, could accomplish.

I think that Don McLean said it best as he shared from the heart: “The death of Dolly Parton is as big as Elvis. This rocks the country and the world in the same way and we won’t get over this for a long time. God bless this beautiful girl."