미국 컨트리 음악의 여왕 돌리 파튼 별세

The beloved queen of American country music, Dolly Parton, passed away, according to a statement released by her family. The statement did not specify the cause of death, but her spokesperson confirmed that she peacefully passed away at her Nashville home. Shortly before her passing, Parton revealed that she had been dealing with undisclosed health issues but planned to continue her work.

Born in 1946 in rural Tennessee, Parton began writing and singing songs at the age of six. Known for her energetic performances, heartfelt lyrics, and striking looks, she captivated audiences across the United States and around the world with her unique charisma and genuine songwriting. Her distinctive blonde hair and flamboyant outfits became iconic, contributing to the global popularity of country music.

Parton released more than 1 billion records and earned over 11 Grammy Awards. She also hosted television variety shows, appeared in films like "9 to 5," and established the theme park "Dollywood" in her hometown. Despite growing up in poverty, Parton became a symbol of the American working class, donating her name and wealth to benefit others.

In 2020, she donated $1 million to Vanderbilt University's vaccine research, becoming an early supporter of the Moderna vaccine. She ran literacy programs for children worldwide, including in the U.S., Canada, the UK, and Ireland, and provided scholarships to high school students in her native Tennessee county. In recognition of her generosity, the county erected a life-sized statue of her outside a courthouse.

Parton was born in a one-room cottage in Florence, Tennessee, where she spent her impoverished childhood. She grew up to be the 12th child of Robert L. Parton, a tobacco farmer. She started writing and singing songs at age six and began performing on local radio at eleven. After graduating from high school, she moved to Nashville to pursue her career in country music, partnering with the renowned Porter Wagner.

Parton wrote all of her chart-topping hits and is estimated to have composed around 3,000 songs, with about 450 recorded. Many of her songs reached number one on the Billboard Country charts, earning her a place in the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2007 and the prestigious Johnny Mercer Award. She also received a Grammy Award in 1978.

Parton often reflected on her songwriting, saying, "When I write lyrics, I feel closest to God," and expressed her desire to be remembered as a great songwriter, with her songs being her legacy.