Dolly Parton, one of the most recognizable names in country music, has died at 80.
Parton died Tuesday, August 25, in Nashville, Tennessee, after a brief battle with cancer, according to her representatives. Her death was also announced through her official website.
For many people, Parton was more than a singer. She was an entertainer, businesswoman, actress, songwriter and, perhaps most importantly, someone who spent much of her life helping others.
Parton grew up in a large family in rural Tennessee and went on to become one of the biggest stars in music. Her career included hits like “Jolene,” “9 to 5,” “Coat of Many Colors” and “I Will Always Love You.” She sold more than 100 million records and earned numerous awards throughout her career.
But her impact was not limited to music.
Parton was known for giving back to the communities around her. Through her Imagination Library, she helped provide hundreds of millions of books to children around the world. The program was inspired by her father, who could not read or write.
She also used her success to help her home state of Tennessee. Parton became a major part of the development of Dollywood, which helped bring jobs and tourism to the area around the Great Smoky Mountains.
What may stand out most about Dolly Parton, however, is how people remember her as a person.
Her official website described her legacy through words like “love, kindness and resilience.” Her sister, Stella Parton, also remembered Dolly as one of the most generous and kind people she had ever known.
That kindness became a major part of why people connected with her.
Dolly Parton became one of the biggest names in entertainment without losing the warmth and humor that made people feel like they knew her. She showed that success could be used to help others and that a person’s legacy could be about more than awards or record sales.
Her music will continue to be played for generations, but so will the lessons she left behind about generosity, kindness and helping people when you have the opportunity.
Dolly Parton leaves behind a career that changed music and a legacy that reached far beyond the stage.
