Country music star Dolly Parton, best known for hits such as Jolene and 9 to 5, has died at the age of 80.
The news was announced by her nephew, Bryan Seaver, in a video that was posted to Parton’s social media accounts on Tuesday 25 August.
Seaver said: “This video announcement is something Dolly asked of me years ago, before I fully absorbed it as a future reality.
“It is an honour – an honour that is mixed with absolute pride and great sadness. But sadness lies with us, not with Dolly.
“Dolly has lived in the light, and is in the arms of Jesus.”
The family’s official obituary reads: “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.”
Parton was beloved around the world for her iconic country songs, her sparkly outfits and her selfless philanthropic work.
Over her incredible career, Parton wrote over 3,000 songs, earning her 11 Grammy Awards.
She notably performed in the Glastonbury legends slot in 2014 to high praise.
Parton enjoyed a successful career on the screen, too, starring in a string of films either as herself or in acting roles, and was recognised with three Emmy Awards.
Her most famous role was as Doralee Rhodes in the 1980 film 9 to 5 – a film that also earned her one of two Academy Award nominations for best original song.
Recently, in 2020, Parton donated $1 million to the Vanderbilt University Medical Center, which went towards research that helped to develop the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.
In a change to the published schedule, BBC One will show Dolly Parton: Here I Am at 10:40pm as a tribute.
