The week the world mourned one of the last great celebrities

The week of Dolly Parton's passing brought a unique sense of mourning to the world, unlike any other celebrity death. Parton, an 80-year-old icon known for her warmth and kindness, was more than just a musician to many. Born in a one-room cabin in Tennessee in 1946, her humble beginnings were a source of her folksy charm. Despite her success, she remained grounded, saying, "I figured I couldn't be any poorer than I'd been in my childhood."

Her influence transcended borders, touching communities in unexpected ways. Parton's Imagination Library, a global initiative that mailed out books to children for free, reached two million kids in Australia. During the pandemic, she donated $1 million towards the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, highlighting her compassion beyond entertainment.

Across the political spectrum, there was bipartisan mourning, from US President Donald Trump to former President Barack Obama. Her impact was immeasurable, with tributes ranging from political leaders lowering flags to global figures like Beyonce remembering her collaboration.

Parton's exaggerated aesthetic and support for LGBTQIA+ rights made her a beloved figure worldwide, earning her a place as a global queer icon. Despite her diminutive stature, she radiated strength and compassion. As one tweeted, "There was the time in 2011 when the then-transport minister Anthony Albanese intervened so Dolly Parton's oversized buses could travel on Australian roads."

In her passing, the world lost a beloved figure who brought joy and hope, reminding us all that "I just thought she would be with us forever."