The Queen of Country Music Dolly Parton is being remembered for her music and kind heart after she died this week at age 80.
Parton was an American musician, actress, philanthropist and businesswoman whose career spanned six decades.
She released her first album, Hello, I’m Dolly, in 1967 and went on to record 50 studio albums. Over her career she sold more than 100 million records.
Tributes poured in for the star overnight. Actress Julia Roberts described Parton as a “magical and joyous human”.
“I hold knowing her as a treasure in my life,” Roberts said. “The sun has dimmed today.”
Singer Dionne Warwick said she would miss Parton’s “laughter, jokes and her being”.
“Rest well and in total peace my friend,” she wrote. “My heart is heavy.”
Fellow country star Reba McEntire thanked Parton for “all the wonderful things you did for us here on earth”
“Your love, your music and you gave so much with your huge huge heart,” McEntire said.
Dolly Parton was known as the “Queen of Country” and was one of the most successful and awarded female country performers.
She won 11 Grammy Awards and three Emmy Awards and received nominations for two Academy Awards, six Golden Globe Awards and a Tony Award.
Parton had 25 singles that reached number one on the Billboard country charts.
She achieved a record 44 Top 10 country albums and had 110 singles chart during her career. Her final album Rockstar, released in 2023, became her highest-charting album on the Billboard 200, reaching number three.
She wrote more than 3000 songs, including I Will Always Love You, Jolene, Coat of Many Colours and 9 to 5. I Will Always Love You twice topped the US country charts and later became an international hit for Whitney Houston.
Parton also had a successful acting career, starring in films including 9 to 5, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, Rhinestone, Steel Magnolias, Straight Talk and Joyful Noise. She received Golden Globe nominations for Best Actress for both 9 to 5 and The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas.
