Beloved US country music icon Dolly Parton dies at 80

Country music legend Dolly Parton has passed away at the age of 80, according to a video statement from her nephew Brian Seaver. Parton was best known for her chart-topping hits like "9 To 5," "I Will Always Love You," and "Jolene." President Donald Trump honored Parton by lowering flags across the United States in her memory.

Seaver described Parton as a cherished sister, grandmother, and granddaughter, stating that the news was both an honor and a great sadness. He noted her passing in the arms of Jesus, surrounded by family members who had longed to meet her in heaven.

Parton's husband, Carl Dean, had died the previous year. She penned "I Will Always Love You" as a farewell to her former partner, Porter Wagoner. The song achieved massive success after Whitney Houston performed a cover for the 1992 film "The Bodyguard." Parton's film debut came in 1980 with "9 To 5," alongside Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda, earning her a number one single with the movie's theme song. Notable films include "The Best Little Whorehouse In Texas," "Rhinestone," and "Steel Magnolias."

Born in a cabin in Tennessee in 1946, Parton was the fourth of 12 children. She began singing in church at six and achieved stardom at 13, making her Grand Ole Opry debut. Over a six-decade career, she sold over 100 million records and penned more than 3,000 songs, including "Coat Of Many Colours" and "Joshua." In addition to her successful music career, Parton was a savvy businesswoman and philanthropist, founding the Imagination Library, which has gifted over 270 million books to children in need since its inception in 1995.