Tennessee native, country music icon Dolly Parton dead at 80
Country music icon, businesswoman, Tennessee native, and philanthropist Dolly Parton died Tuesday at the age of 80, according to a message posted by her nephew and head of security Bryan Seaver on Dolly’s official Instagram account.
Information posted by TMZ said Parton was admitted to Vanderbilt University Medical Center on Friday with kidney and autoimmune issues. Her health had become the main topic of discussion for the past two years when her visits to her Dollywood theme park became less frequent, including appearing via video for the official unveiling of the venue’s newest ride.
A statement issued to media by Dollywood said the park would be open on Wednesday “as Dolly wanted, always reminding everyone with her signature sparkle – the show must go own.”
Parton crafted her singing voice by attending church choir sessions as a child and by listening to her mother sing traditional hymns. By the age of 13, she had appeared at the Grand Ole Opry, signed a recording deal with fellow star Porter Wagoner, then broke out on her own with a number one single on the Billboard Country Chart just ten years after she graduated from Sevier County High School.
Her last public appearance was in June in Cornersville, Tennessee, to help open the first in a chain of Dolly-themed truck stops that are planned for more locations in the state.
Before that, Parton had noted her health problems had increased, letting herself go, she said, as she cared for her husband Carl who died one year ago.
Shortly after Parton’s death was announced, Governor Bill Lee ordered flags at state establishments to be lowered to half staff in honor of “Tennessee’s favorite daughter.”
(IMAGE: Property of Dolly Parton official Instagram)
