Iconic country musician Dolly Parton has died at the age of 80, her family announced on her social media.
“Sadness lies with us, not with Dolly,” Parton’s nephew Brian Seaver said in a video announcement. “Dolly lived in the light and is in the arms of Jesus, surely.”
Dolly will forever stand as an inspiration’: Full statement announcing Parton’s death
A statement put out by Dolly Parton’s public relations team, confirming the death of the country singer.
“Global icon and humanitarian, Dolly Parton, known to the world as a beloved singer, songwriter, philanthropist, actress, playwright, and author died peacefully today in Nashville, Tennessee. She was 80 years old.
“Dolly is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 59 years Carl Thomas Dean (1942 – 2025), her mother Avie Lee Caroline Owens (1923 – 2003), and father, Robert Lee Parton, Sr. (1921 – 2000).
“A rhinestone life that shone bright enough for the world to see, Dolly will forever stand as an inspiration not only through her timeless music and prolific songwriting, but also her wit, warmth, and kindness that made us all feel like family. Dolly Parton’s legacy is one of love, compassion, and resilience. With a seven-decade career, she inspired multiple generations of artists and fans with her music and an unwavering commitment to making the world a better place.
“Her songs will continue to resonate with people of all ages, and her philanthropic work will have a lasting impact.”
A church singer who went on to greatness
Dolly Parton was born in 1946 into a poor farming family who lived in a one bedroom cabin on the banks of the Little Pigeon River in Tennessee.
She was the fourth of 12 children. Her father, Robert Lee Parton, was a tobacco farmer and paid a missionary a sack of cornmeal for delivering her.
Dolly said her mother, Avie Lee, used to sing folk songs all the time. She was also influenced by her Aunt, who played the guitar and wrote songs.
Her uncle accompanied her on the guitar during some of her first performances.
Parton sang in the local church where her grandfather was the pastor, from the age of six and – before reaching her teens – she was performing on her local TV station.
By the age of thirteen, she had reached country music’s summit: with an appearance at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee.
‘If you see someone without a smile give them yours,’ and other famous Dolly Parton quotes
Parton was famous for her wisdom and humour, and many of her quotes reveal just how smart she really was, along with her depth, sensitivity and optimism.
Here are just a few of her famous quotes:
“I’m not offended by all the dumb blonde jokes because I know I’m not dumb – and I’m not blonde either.”
“I’m pretty sharp. I’m not educated and I’m not that intelligent, but I’m smart. They say somebody’s street smart. I feel like if I got intelligence, it’s just a country smart.”
“It costs a lot of money to look this cheap.”
“It’s a good thing I was born a girl, otherwise I’d be a drag queen.”
“People always ask me how long it takes to do my hair. I don’t know, I’m never there.”
“If I see something sagging, bagging and dragging, I’m going to nip it, tuck it, and suck it.”
“The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain!”
“I always just thought if you see somebody without a smile, give’em yours!”
“I’m not going to limit myself just because people won’t accept the fact that I can do something else.”
“If you don’t like the road you’re walking, start paving another one.”
“Don’t get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life.”
“Storms make trees take deeper roots.”
With BBC report