Nashville, Aug 25 (V7N)- Country music legend Dolly Parton has died at the age of 80. Her death was announced on Tuesday (August 25) by Bryan Seaver, who served as her head of security for more than two decades.
Parton was one of the most influential and beloved figures in country music. Her extraordinary career spanned music, songwriting, film and philanthropy, earning her millions of fans around the world.
Born in 1946 in Tennessee, Parton grew up in a large family with limited financial means. She began playing guitar and singing as a child and started writing songs at an early age. After moving to Nashville in 1964, she gradually established herself as a singer and songwriter.
Her career gained momentum after she joined country star Porter Wagoner's television show. She later became a major solo artist, producing numerous successful songs, including Jolene, 9 to 5, Coat of Many Colors and Here You Come Again.
One of the defining moments of Parton's songwriting career came with I Will Always Love You. The song became an international phenomenon after Whitney Houston recorded her version for the 1992 film The Bodyguard.
Parton also enjoyed considerable success in Hollywood. She made her film debut in 9 to 5 in 1980, with the movie's title song becoming her first No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100.
Throughout her decades-long career, Parton received numerous prestigious honors, including Grammy Awards, Country Music Association Awards and Academy of Country Music Awards. She was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1999 and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2022.
Parton was also widely admired for her philanthropic work and efforts to support education and children.
Her death comes just days after she spoke publicly about her health and expressed her determination to continue working. Her passing marks the end of an extraordinary career that left an enduring influence on country music and popular culture.
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