OBITUARY: Dolly Parton, queen of country music, dies at 80

Dolly Parton, the iconic country music star and prolific songwriter, passed away at the age of 80. Born on January 19, 1946, in Pittman Center, Tennessee, Parton grew up in a humble one-room cabin in Locust Ridge. She wrote her first song, "Little Tiny Tasseltop," at the age of six, inspired by her corncob doll. Her talent for storytelling through song was evident from a young age, with her mother regularly singing Welsh and English ballads to her.

Parton's love for music blossomed, leading her to perform on local radio stations and the Grand Ole Opry at the tender age of 11. She eventually moved to Nashville to pursue her music career, forming a partnership with Porter Wagoner that spanned over a decade. Parton's most famous song, "I Will Always Love You," was written as a farewell to Wagoner when she decided to embark on a solo career.

Throughout her six-decade career, Parton released numerous classic songs, including "Coat of Many Colors" and "Jolene," which cemented her status as one of the best-selling female artists of all time, with over 100 million records sold. In addition to her music, Parton was known for her philanthropy and role as a symbol of the working-class American.

Her philanthropic efforts included donations to vaccine research during the COVID-19 pandemic and supporting literacy programs for children. Her iconic appearance, characterized by flamboyant costumes and dazzling hairdos, endeared her to audiences worldwide, making her a beloved figure in the country music genre.