What to know about US music icon Dolly Parton

Dolly Parton, the renowned American singer, songwriter, and actress, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 80, leaving behind a legacy spanning more than six decades across music, film, business, and philanthropy. Born into poverty in rural Tennessee on January 19, 1946, Parton was one of 12 children in a family where her mother introduced her to traditional folk ballads and music.

Her journey into entertainment began at a young age, with Parton appearing on local radio and television by the age of 13 and performing at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. She released her first single, "Puppy Love," at the age of 13. Over her career, Parton wrote more than 3,000 songs, including enduring pieces like "Jolene," "I Will Always Love You," "9 to 5," and "Coat of Many Colours."

Parton's success extended beyond songwriting, as she sold over 100 million records worldwide, cementing her status among the best-selling female artists in music history. Her 1977 album, "Here You Come Again," was her first to sell one million copies and earned her a Grammy Award. Her influence continued to attract audiences across generations, establishing her as an artist whose impact extended beyond traditional country music.

Throughout her career, Parton received numerous awards and recognitions, including 10 competitive Grammy Awards and the Recording Academy's Lifetime Achievement Award in 2011. She also ventured into acting, making her film debut in 1980 with Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin in "9 to 5" and wrote the film's theme song, which became a No. 1 hit.

Parton's influence extended into business, with her involvement in the Tennessee theme park, Dollywood, which she helped transform into a major tourist attraction. She also became a prominent philanthropist, promoting childhood literacy through the Dollywood Foundation's Imagination Library, which distributed over 80 million books across multiple countries. In 2022, she was awarded the Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy.

Parton's personal life remained largely private. She was married to Carl Dean for nearly six decades before his death in March 2025, just 17 months before her own passing. Despite health concerns, Parton remained active and expressed interest in working on new projects.