Country music legend Dolly Parton dies aged 80

Dolly Parton, the singer-songwriter, literacy advocate and cultural icon whose wit, beauty and musicality shaped country music for more than six decades has died. Parton was 80 years old.

The country music legend’s nephew Bryan Seaver confirmed Parton’s passing on behalf of her family via the singer’s Facebook page.

Parton’s music was rich and tender, exploring her impoverished childhood in the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, and the familiar country music touchstones of love, heartache and regret. They include songs like Jolene , I Will Always Love You and the theme her most successful film, 9 to 5 .

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