Country music superstar Dolly Parton dies aged 80
By Press Association
Country music superstar Dolly Parton has died at the age of 80, her family has announced.
The musician was best known for her genre-defining hits including 9 To 5, I Will Always Love You and Jolene.
In the video shared on Instagram, Parton’s nephew said: “My name is Brian Seaver, son of Cassie Parton, and I’m representing the Parton and Owens family today announcing the passing of my aunt, Dolly Rebecca Parton Dean.
“Sister, Sis and Granny to one generation and Gigi to the next.”
He added: “This video announcement is something Dolly asked of me years ago, before I fully absorbed it as a future reality. As her head of security for more than two decades, a role my father Larry held before me, I have imagined the heaviness of this moment but haven’t truly felt it until now.”
Mr Seaver said: “It is an honour, an honour that is mixed with absolute pride and great sadness. But sadness lies with us, not with Dolly.
“Dolly has lived in the light and is in the arms of Jesus, surely met by Carl, her parents and countless others who have watched her and longed to meet her in the heavens.”
Jo Whiley introduced her BBC Radio 2 evening show by playing I Will Always Love You, Jolene and 9 To 5 in tribute to Dolly Parton after the singer’s death was announced in the 7pm news headlines.
Whiley said she was “taken aback” by the news and “so sad”, adding that Parton’s 2014 Glastonbury legends slot was “one of the most incredible performances”.
“I don’t think I’ve ever seen that field fuller,” Whiley said, adding that she interviewed Parton at the festival and recalled “she was so kind and so lovely”.
Harry Potter author JK Rowling said Dolly Parton had made “the best contribution to child literacy ever made by a celebrity”.
In a post on X, Rowling wrote: “Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library was the best contribution to child literacy ever made by a celebrity.
“Our paths crossed once, in the 90s, backstage at a talk show, and I was completely tongue-tied and starstruck.
“RIP Dolly. You were a complete, irreplaceable one-off.”
Meanwhile, flags are to be lowered throughout America in honour of Dolly Parton, US President Donald Trump has announced.
In a post on Truth Social, he wrote: “Very sad to report that Dolly Parton, one of the greatest Country singers, and far beyond, EVER, has just passed away.
“This is a true loss for millions of people.
“There has never been anyone like her, and never will.
“In her honor, I am lowering the American flag throughout the United States for a one week period beginning tonight at 6:00PM. Rest in Peace, Dolly!
“The World loves you. President DONALD J. TRUMP”
In a series of online posts on X, country music star Kacey Musgraves wrote: “Dolly. This really hurts. The world feels a lot less sparkly all of a sudden. So glad she’s with her Carl Dean. No one talk to me today.”
The message included a broken loveheart emoji after Dolly’s name.
Country singer Reba McEntire made a personal tribute to her “buddy Dolly”.
On Instagram, she wrote: “Dolly, thank you 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.
“There will never ever be another you.
“We will remember and cherish every memory and every note you ever played and sang.
“Thank you, Lord, for Dolly.
“She’s gonna have a blast in heaven singing all her favorite songs with all her family and friends who have gone on before her.
“I’ll never forget the first time I met you and I’ll never forget our last conversation. I hold it with love in my heart.
“I will always love you, Reba.”
