Global icon and humanitarian Dolly Parton passed away peacefully today in Nashville, Tennessee, at the age of 80. Spanning seven decades, her legendary career defined country music, pop culture, and global philanthropy.

Born on January 19, 1946, in Sevier County, Tennessee, Dolly grew up as one of twelve children in a small Smoky Mountain home. Encouraged by her family, she began writing songs at age five and performed on local radio before her Grand Ole Opry debut at 13. Moving to Nashville after finishing high school, she met her beloved husband of 59 years, Carl Thomas Dean, whom she married in 1966.

After initial success on The Porter Wagoner Show, Parton launched a powerhouse solo career that produced timeless anthems including:

Beyond her chart-topping music—which earned her 25 number-one country hits and over 100 million in record sales—Parton achieved massive success in film and business. She starred in box office hits like 9 to 5 and Steel Magnolias, and opened the iconic Dollywood theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, in 1986, which draws millions of visitors annually.

Parton was equally renowned for her vast charitable work. In 1995, she established Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, which has gifted over 300 million free books to children worldwide. Her monumental contributions earned her numerous accolades, including 11 Grammy Awards, inductions into both the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and a Kennedy Center Honor.

At Dolly’s request, a private service will be held for immediate family. Fans are encouraged to pay tribute online by tagging @DollyParton or visiting www.dollyparton.com. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be directed to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library at www.imaginationlibrary.com.