Dolly Parton dies aged 80

Singer and songwriter Dolly Parton has died at the age of 80, it has been announced.

Dolly had a tremendous career spanning 60 years, initially as a songwriter in the early 1960s and then later that same decade as a performer and country music singer on The Porter Wagoner Show. She signed to RCA and Wagoner and Parton paired up successfully for a run of 12 studio albums between 1968 and 1974.

Parton’s talent as a songwriter was immense. 1973’s ‘Jolene’ saw Dolly enjoy a top 10 hit in the UK but it would be her only British hit single (the 1980 US smash ‘9 to 5’ stalled at No 47). 1974’s ‘Love is Like A Butterfly’ topped the Country charts in America but snuck into UK households via the backdoor in the late 1970s/early 80s when a version sung by Clare Torry (yes, her) was used as the theme tune for Carla Lane’s bittersweet BBC sitcom, Butterflies.

Despite a few dalliances with the mainstream pop chart – the sublime 1983 Bee Gees-penned Kenny Rogers duet, ‘Islands in the Stream’, comes to mine – it was on the US Country chart where Dolly really shone, chalking up more than 20 number one singles, including ‘I Will Always Love You’, a song made very famous by Whitney Houston in 1992 when she recorded it for the soundtrack to the film The Bodyguard.

Dolly Parton was well known for her kindness and her philanthropy, and supported many charitable efforts, particularly in the area of literacy, primarily through her Dollywood Foundation. 

Her family left this statement today:

“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. Dolly Parton’s legacy is one of love, compassion, and resilience. With a seven-decade career, she inspired multiple generations of artists and fans with her music and an unwavering commitment to making the world a better place.

Her songs will continue to resonate with people of all ages, and her philanthropic work will have a lasting impact.”

Rest in peace, Dolly Parton. Leave your tributes and messages in the comments.