Dolly Parton spent more than six decades making herself impossible to ignore.
She gave the world songs like “Jolene,” “9 to 5” and “I Will Always Love You.” She conquered country music, found success in Hollywood, built a business empire and became known just as much for her generosity as for her music.
Now, the woman millions simply knew as Dolly is gone.
The American country music icon died on August 25 at the age of 80. Her representatives said she died at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville after a brief battle with cancer, surrounded by loved ones.
Her death came just days after Parton spoke publicly about her health and said she still had plenty she wanted to achieve.
That is perhaps what makes the news even harder to take.
Dolly never really seemed like someone who planned to slow down.
From a small town to superstardom
Long before the wigs, rhinestones and larger-than-life personality, Parton was a young girl from rural Tennessee with a gift for writing songs.
She turned that gift into a career that took her from country music to the biggest stages in the world.
Then came the hits.
“Jolene” became one of her signature songs. “9 to 5” gave her a massive crossover hit and helped launch her Hollywood career. Meanwhile, “I Will Always Love You” took on an even bigger life when American singer Whitney Houston recorded her version for “The Bodyguard.”
But Dolly’s story was never only about selling records.
She became an actress, entrepreneur and one of entertainment’s most successful businesswomen. She built Dollywood into a major attraction and used her wealth and fame to support causes close to her heart.
Through her Imagination Library, she helped put hundreds of millions of books into the hands of children.
The tributes have already started
News of Parton’s death quickly brought an outpouring of tributes from fans and famous names across the world.
For many people, the loss feels personal.
Dolly Parton had a rare ability to make herself feel familiar. She could be glamorous and funny, wildly successful and still seem completely comfortable laughing at herself.
That is why her death reaches far beyond country music.
At 80, Dolly leaves behind the songs, the movies, the businesses and the charitable work.
But she also leaves behind something harder to measure.
A young girl from Tennessee became one of the biggest names in entertainment, and somehow remained Dolly to the very end.