Dolly Parton, country music icon, dies at eighty

Dolly Parton's nephew Brian Seaver confirmed the country music icon's death in a video posted to her Instagram page. The singer-songwriter, known for hits including "I Will Always Love You," "Jolene" and "9 to 5," was 80 years old.

US President Donald Trump ordered flags lowered across the United States for one week on Tuesday, describing Parton's death as "a true loss for millions of people". Writing on Truth Social, Trump called her "one of the greatest Country singers, and far beyond, EVER".

A Career Built on Songwriting and Stage Presence

Parton rose from a log cabin in the Tennessee mountains to international stardom, crafting a persona defined by soaring vibrato vocals, poignant songwriting and sparkling costumes. Her signature look, curvy physique, massive blonde wigs and skin-tight outfits, became inseparable from her self-deprecating wit.

The songwriter penned hundreds of songs, including classics "Jolene," "Coat of Many Colors" and "I Will Always Love You". Her catalog generated more than 100 million sales worldwide and exceeded 1 billion online streams. She performed with bejewelled banjos, guitars and dulcimers, plucking the instruments with her long fingernails.

Cross-Generational Appeal

Parton numbered among the most beloved personalities in music and entertainment, a rare celebrity whose appeal transcended generations, geography and politics. Trump wrote on Truth Social: "There has never been anyone like her, and never will".

Beyond her music career, Parton built a successful business portfolio that included a theme park in the Smoky Mountain foothills near her birthplace. She was also recognized for her generous philanthropic work.

Source: South China Morning Post