Dolly Parton, the American singer, songwriter and philanthropist who became one of the most recognisable figures in popular music, died in Nashville, Tennessee, on Tuesday. She was 80.

Her death was confirmed in a statement from her representatives and in a video posted to social media by her nephew, Bryan Seaver, NPR reported. Representatives said she had died after “bravely facing a brief battle with cancer”, according to NewsFirst, which carried BBC copy. CNN reported that she died peacefully.

“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,” her representatives said in the statement carried by NPR.

A six-decade career

Parton sold more than 100 million records worldwide and wrote over 3,000 songs across a career spanning six decades, making her one of the best-selling female recording artists in history. She won 11 Grammy awards, including a Lifetime Achievement Award, CNBC reported.

Her best-known songs include “Jolene”, “Coat of Many Colors” and “I Will Always Love You”, the last of which became a global hit again when Whitney Houston recorded it in 1992.

Parton was raised in poverty in a one-room cabin in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, one of 12 children. CNBC reported that she wrote her first song at around the age of six — “Little Tiny Tasseltop”, about a corncob doll with corn-silk hair, which her mother kept in a shoebox.

She also acted in film and television, and performed at Glastonbury.

Philanthropy and tributes

Parton devoted decades to charitable causes, particularly child literacy and education. Her representatives said the projects she established during her lifetime would continue.

Tributes were reported from around the world. In her home state, Tennessee State Senator Jessie Seal said he would propose legislation designating September 25 as “9 to 5 Day” in her honour, telling CNN that “Dolly will go down as one of the most legendary Tennesseans of all time.”

Sources