Dolly Parton, ‘Queen of Country,’ dies at 80 after seven-decade career

Dolly Parton, the beloved American singer-songwriter, actress, businesswoman and philanthropist who became one of country music’s most enduring global stars, has died aged 80, her family has announced.

Known as the “Queen of Country”, Parton built a remarkable career spanning seven decades, winning 10 Grammy Awards, selling more than 100 million records worldwide and writing more than 3,000 songs.

Her distinctive image — big blonde hair, dazzling stage outfits and unmistakable voice — became as recognisable as her music. But beyond her glamorous public persona, Parton was celebrated for her songwriting, business acumen, philanthropy and ability to connect with audiences through deeply personal stories.

“Sadness lies with us, not with Dolly,” her nephew Brian Seaver said in a video announcement shared by the family.

Raised in Tennessee as one of 12 children, Parton grew up in poverty but often spoke warmly about the love and values instilled by her family. She rose to prominence in the late 1960s before becoming a crossover star whose music bridged country and pop.

Her songs explored love, heartbreak, family, faith, poverty and female empowerment, while many drew directly from her own experiences.

Among her most celebrated works was “Coat of Many Colors”, an autobiographical song inspired by her childhood. The song tells the story of growing up with little money but finding wealth in family love.

Parton later described the song in her book Songteller: My Life in Lyrics as a “little story” that covered “a world of things”, including lessons about bullying, acceptance, love and good parenting.

“It’s my way of expressing myself,” Parton once said of songwriting. “It’s my therapy.”

“Coat of Many Colors” went on to be covered by artists including Shania Twain and Eva Cassidy. Rolling Stone ranked it second on its list of Parton’s 50 greatest songs, describing its emotional power as central to her lasting legacy.

The song also inspired a children’s book and a 2015 television film about Parton’s childhood and early dreams of becoming a performer.

Her mother, Avie Lee Parton, made the original patchwork coat that inspired the song and later created another one for display at the museum at Dollywood, Parton’s Tennessee theme park.

Beyond music, Parton became a formidable entrepreneur and philanthropist, using her fame and fortune to support literacy, education and communities.

She was also known for taking control of her career and making difficult business decisions, combining southern charm and humour with an astute understanding of the entertainment industry.

For generations of fans, however, Parton’s greatest legacy remains her music — songs that transformed personal hardship, hope and resilience into stories shared around the world.