Dolly Parton, a legendary figure in country music, has passed away at the age of 80. Her family confirmed the news today, August 25, describing her as "A rhinestone life that shone bright enough for the world to see."
Her family added that "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." No cause of death has been provided.
Born in Pittman Center, Tennessee, on January 19, 1946, Parton began performing as a child and recorded her first single, 'Puppy Love', at 13. She moved to Nashville in 1964, achieving recognition as a songwriter and later as a performer with hits like 'Jolene' and 'I Will Always Love You'.
Known as the 'Queen Of Country', Parton won 11 Grammys, three Emmys, and received two Oscar nominations. She sold over 100 million records and was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1986.