Dolly Parton, the "Queen of Country Music," passed away at the age of 80 on August 25.
According to Reuters, Parton's nephew, Brian Seaver, announced her death in a video posted on social media, stating, "Dolly lived in the light, and now she is in the arms of Jesus."
The family did not disclose the exact cause of death. Parton had recently faced health issues, canceling some engagements. Her husband, Carl Dean, passed away in March of last year.
Parton was a singer-songwriter, record producer, actress, author, and active philanthropist, beloved by Americans across generations and races.
She is recognized as a symbolic figure in American popular music, having sung or written numerous hits, including the iconic "I Will Always Love You," famously covered by Whitney Houston. Over her lifetime, Parton wrote and composed more than 3,000 songs. She received a total of 11 Grammy Awards, including a Lifetime Achievement Award, and 25 of her songs reached number one on the Billboard Country Chart.
Parton also starred in the film "Nine to Five," for which she was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song. She was active in social contributions, supporting COVID-19 vaccine research, children's literacy programs, and scholarship initiatives.
Following the news of her passing, President Donald Trump expressed his condolences on social media platform Truth Social, saying, "I am very sad to announce the passing of Dolly Parton, one of the greatest country singers and so much more. This is a loss for millions."
Trump ordered flags to be flown at half-staff for one week starting at 6 p.m. local time on August 25 in her honor.
Major U.S. media outlets also reported on Parton's death with tributes. The New York Times noted, "For 60 years, she dominated not only country music but a significant part of popular culture, becoming one of the most beloved Americans of the 20th century with her immense personality and down-to-earth charm."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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