Grace Eliza Goodwin
US reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Dolly Parton's legacy extends far beyond music and entertainment, as the legendary star devoted decades of her life to charitable causes.

In 1988, Parton created the Dollywood Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to improving child literacy, funding scholarships and education, and offering community aid.

The foundation's flagship programme is the Imagination Library, a free service that gifts one book per month to children from birth until their fifth birthday.

After wildfires swept through Parton's home county in Tennessee in 2016, the foundation raised more than $12m for families who had lost their homes.

Parton has also donated millions more to pediatric infectious disease research, food and grocery programmes at the Salvation Army, assistance for Hurricane Helene victims and women's health services.

When the pandemic swept around the world in 2020, she created the Dolly Parton Covid-19 Research Fund at Vanderbilt University, in her home state of Tennessee, which provided seed money for research that led to the Moderna vaccine against the disease.

In 2022, she received the Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy which honoured her as "one of the entertainment world’s most generous philanthropists".

"I just give from my heart," she said when accepting the award. "I just see a need and if I can fill it, then I will."

Josh Parry
LGBT and identity reporter

One of the most prominent LGBTQ+ organisations in the US, GLAAD, has paid tribute to Parton, calling her a "global queer icon".

Parton, who had appeared at the group’s annual awards numerous times, both to present honours to others and as a winner herself, was "not just the queen of country music" but also "the queen of inclusivity and philanthropy".

The non-profit advocacy group also praised her support for same-sex marriage, years before it became legal in the US, in its statement on Instagram.

It added: "Parton’s warm spirit, kindheartedness and joie de vivre deeply resonated with the LGBTQ community, cementing her as a global queer icon whose art always held space for outsiders, no matter the risk."

It also said that her career was built on "love and respect for all" and that her "unwavering allyship is a legacy that will last forever".

Image source, Robin Platzer/Images/Getty Images

Barbra Streisand has shared a photo of her with Dolly, flanked by music stars Neil Diamond and Billy Joel, on Instagram, writing: "So sorry to hear about Dolly - she was a true force of nature.

"May she rest in peace. Barbra."

Helen Bushby
Culture reporter

Image source, gett

Parton was famous for her wisdom and humour, and many of her quotes reveal just how smart she really was, along with her depth, sensitivity and optimism.

Here are just a few of her famous quotes:

• “I'm not offended by all the dumb blonde jokes because I know I'm not dumb - and I'm not blonde either.”
• "I'm pretty sharp. I'm not educated and I'm not that intelligent, but I'm smart. They say somebody's street smart. I feel like if I got intelligence, it's just a country smart."
• “It costs a lot of money to look this cheap."
• “It's a good thing I was born a girl, otherwise I'd be a drag queen.”
• “People always ask me how long it takes to do my hair. I don’t know, I’m never there.”
• "If I see something sagging, bagging and dragging, I'm going to nip it, tuck it, and suck it."

• “The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain!”
• “I always just thought if you see somebody without a smile, give'em yours!”
• “I'm not going to limit myself just because people won't accept the fact that I can do something else.”
• “If you don’t like the road you’re walking, start paving another one.”
• "Don't get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life.”
• “Storms make trees take deeper roots.”

Regan Morris
Reporting from Los Angeles

For hours now, flowers have been laid on the star honouring Dolly Parton on the Walk of Fame in Hollywood.

A bouquet of red flowers comes from a family who loves the iconic singer so much that they named their pet corgi "Dolly Paw-ton".

Matti Schilling, her husband Ben, and her parents, Dottie and K.C. McKenzie, have traveled to LA from northern California to see Stevie Nicks perform on the Jimmy Kimmel show.

Dottie says she can’t wait to see Nicks perform and likely talk about her friend.

"She might even play a Dolly song, a tribute," Dottie says.

Image source, Getty Images

The family of country star Lorretta Lynn, a contemporary known for the song Coal Miner's Daughter, has just released a statement, saying they are "devastated to hear of Dolly’s passing".

"Dolly was an icon, a legend, a world unto herself. But even more, she was mom’s friend," the family statement says. "She was her 'mountain sister'. They understood each other."

They also refer to the 1993 album the two singers released together, titled Honky Tonk Angels, saying: "We take comfort in knowing the Honky Tonk Angels are together again and that one day, we will hear them live again."

Image source, Getty Images

The family of singers Michael Jackson and Janet Jackson says it is deeply saddened by the death of the "incomparable" Dolly Parton.

"Dolly was a true trailblazer. Through her extraordinary talent, kindness and generosity, she opened doors and inspired generations around the world," the Jackson family says on social media, posting a series of vintage photos.

Parton performed in the presence of Queen Elizabeth II at a Scottish Royal Jubilee Television Special and met the Jacksons - who were then in the band the Jackson Five - after that.

"We share this special memory from 1977, when we had the honor of meeting Dolly in England on the same day we also met Queen Elizabeth II," the caption says.

"Thank you, Dolly, for the music, the joy and the light you shared with us all," they go on. "May you rest peacefully in the loving arms of the Lord, reunited with your husband Carl and the many loved ones who made their journey to Heaven before you.

Telling her to rest in peace, they add: "Your beautiful spirit and remarkable legacy will live on forever."

Audiences at 9 to 5: The Musical, which is showing at the Worthing Theatre in the UK, were told just before the performance started of her death.

An actor read a statement thanking Parton "for the joy she gave us" and dedicated the performance to her.

Helen Bushby
Culture reporter

Image source, Reuters

The singer spoke as recently as 21 August about her health, telling People: “I am dealing with some health issues that I just didn’t pay attention to when I was watching over Carl,” referring to her late husband Carl Dean, who died last year.

The cause of her death is not yet known.

Parton spoke about the immense public interest in her health issues.

“It’s not like I haven’t been through hard times with my health. But I think because we live in a 24/7 world with social media, everything gets magnified in ways it wasn’t years ago," she said.

"I used to joke that I was the Queen of the Tabloids, but now I guess I can say I’m the Queen of Social Media AI! Seriously, though, even though I’m still healin’, I’m still workin’."

She was famous for her unstoppable work ethic, which meant she was always productive, whether it was her music, philanthropy, acting, writing or business career.

She did have to slow down recently though, after saying last September she was postponing and then cancelling her Las Vegas residency shows due to "health challenges". She cited long issues with kidney stones.

Even then, she told fans she was staying busy with her Broadway musical, proving even when unwell she was still focused on her career.

Image source, Variety via Getty Images

The entertainment world continues to pay tributes to Dolly Parton.

Sir Mick Jagger says Parton "brought so many people together" while Sting says she was a "stellar talent and a genuinely unique and wonderful woman".

Singer Kelly Clarkson says "Dolly Parton had a way of making everyone feel special, and seen, and welcomed, and as if you were old friends".

Actor Colman Domingo says "Dolly taught us that you can be anything and do anything and to do it with kindness. What a light. We are all grateful that we lived in a time of Dolly Parton".

Singer and guitarist Melissa Etheridge, who worked with Dolly Party says "Words fail me today, words to describe the spirit that was Dolly. I was blessed with knowing her, just a little. We all were. I will strive the rest of my days to be as joyful and loving as she was".

Singer Cyndi Lauper also collaborated with Dolly Parton. "It’s hard for me to imagine the world without Dolly. Dolly’s heart was as big as her talent," she says.

"She was not only a great singer/song writer/actress/TV star, Dolly also lived her art. She used her art, her fame and her money to help so many people."

US talk-show host Oprah Winfrey says there was "no one" like Dolly Parton in a touching tribute to the country singer.

In a post on Instagram, Oprah says one of her fondest memories with Dolly was "having a hoot and a holler while wearing Bob Mackie gowns on her show Dolly".

"This girl from the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee dreamed a life and then lived a life bigger than she could have ever imagined, giving so generously to others in ways we saw and ways we didn’t," she says.

"No one like her. She brought the light, and we are all better because she was here. God bless you, Dolly—you earned your wings," she adds.

Image source, Jerry Fitzgerald/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images

Image source, Getty Images

Sir Paul McCartney has paid tribute to Dolly Parton as a "wonderful woman" and a "magnificent star".

In a post on Instagram, the Beatles star says:

"I first met her in Nashville at the Grand Ole Opry where she had been playing with the country star Porter Wagoner and was about to start her solo career.

"She was so bubbly and full of life it is difficult to take in the news that she has passed.

"Her songwriting, her singing and her philanthropy were unrivalled in the world of country music and it is hard to imagine living in a world without Dolly.

"She was a very clever business woman who understood the value of her music and, most importantly, the effect that she had on the people of the world.

"There was no greater honour for me than to have her sing my song Let It Be and, even though I only made a small contribution to it, I am so honoured that she did it. I am so proud to have known her and admire her unique talents.

"Thanks Dolly for the beautiful music you gave me and the whole world. We will always love you, god bless and rest in peace. You were the best."

Jane Fonda, who co-starred alongside Dolly Parton in the film 9 to 5 in the 1980s, says she is "devastated".

"I know that millions are mourning and I want to say this - more than anyone I have ever known, Dolly will always be with us because she was so present, so powerful, so generous and playful that she is woven into all our lives and hearts forever.

"We have our memories of her, her songs, Dollywood, '9to5,' the millions of books she got into the hands of children, all the iconic images that bring her to us. And they are all blessings.

"Let’s be grateful for all that she has left us to ease our sadness now. I never knew anyone like her. She was simultaneously a naughty, playful southern gal from the hollows of Tennessee and a deep, soulful thinker who could see through people right down to their true selves.

"She was many things… lyricist, songstress, player of many instruments, writer, prankster, visionary, loyal friend, who’d never go to bed before she and her friends had laughed so hard they’d have to cross their legs.

"She had a survivor’s instinct and seemed to always know just what to do, just what to say, to make things right...and then she’s stick her butt out the car window and moon Kenny Roger’s home. She was the voluptuous embodiment of empathy. That’s something of hers she’d want us all to take with us."To her gay and trans fans, I want you to know that she loved you. You know that without me telling you. She loved all her fans and they are legion. And you know she doesn’t want y’all to mourn now. Dress up and celebrate her spirit. But first, watch the final episode of Grace and Frankie where she’s an Angel, the head honcho working class angel in Heaven."

Image source, Getty Images

Shaimaa Khalil
Reporting from Hollywood

Fans have been gathering around Dolly Parton’s star here at Hollywood Blvd, some laying flowers others in tears.

In a country that is so deeply divided, Dolly Parton was that rare unifying figure in America.

Across generations and across political affiliations, there was a common love for Dolly - for her music, and for the stories she told through it.

So many people here have told me how personally they connected with her songs - and how long those songs have been part of their lives.

Josh Parry
LGBT and identity reporter

The phrase "gay icon" gets bandied about a lot now-a-days but Dolly Parton is someone who earned the moniker back when it was much less popular to voice support for the community.

In the early 90s - when stigma around the Aids epidemic was still rife - she specifically included the lyric "some of them are preachers, some of them are gay" in her song Family.

She’s continued to be an outspoken advocate and usually with her famous sense of humour, too.

Over the years she’s spoken out multiple times in support of same-sex marriage across the world.

Whenever she was interviewed about her thoughts on marriage equality she would answer: "Why can't they be as miserable as us heterosexuals in their marriages?," adding "love is love and we have no control over that. I think people should be allowed to [marry]."

Mark Savage
Music correspondent

Image source, Getty Images

Glastonbury has seen its fair share of legends, but little could have prepared the festival for Dolly Parton’s arrival in 2014.

For a start, most performers don’t hold a press conference in a makeshift tent behind the Pyramid Stage. But Dolly did, charming the pants off the British press with her homespun humour.

"My daddy was a farmer, I grew up in East Tennessee and we made our living on a farm, so I thought, 'Well this isn't all that different’,” she laughed. "Mud is mud, wherever you are.”

Later, in front of huge crowd, many dressed just like Dolly, she sang a specially-written song about the festival’s notoriously inclement weather.

"Mud, mud, mud, mud/Up to our bums in all this crud,” she rapped, noting with a cheeky wink that "we won’t let it ruin our high”.

The rest of her 60-minute set was crammed full of hits: Islands in the Stream, Jolene, 9 to 5, Baby I’m Burning, I Will Always Love You and (for some reason) the Benny Hill theme tune. Twice.

"Wow," she exclaimed as the final notes rang out. "What an honour. What a thrill. Thank you so much for being such a great audience."

Noor Nanji
Culture correspondent

Image source, Andrew Putler/Redferns

Let's talk about her fashion - because Dolly was just oh so glamorous. Her style was unapologetically bold.

Think big, bouncy blonde hair, rhinestones, bright colours and shimmer.

From denim jackets to hair accessories, she leant into the country glam look and made it her own.

This went hand in hand with the country star's music, and the themes in her songwriting.

But when asked about her style, she was characteristically self-deprecating.

"I always laugh when I get called a fashion icon," Parton told Vogue in 2023. "I’m more of an eyesore! Only because I overdo it."

Image source, Getty Images

Tributes have also been paid to Dolly Parton by music titans Sir Elton John and Dionne Warwick, as well as former wife of Elvis Presley, Priscilla Presley.

"Shocked and devastated to hear of Dolly's passing," says Sir Elton on Instagram.

He remembers Parton as "a giant of an artist - unique and irreplaceable, with the kindest heart."

Also on Instagram, Dionne Warwick says "I will certainly miss her laughter, jokes and her being. Rest well and in total peace my friend. My heart is heavy."

"After Elvis and I left the courthouse following our divorce, he sang [I Will Always Love You] to me as we walked down the steps together," remembers Priscilla Presley.

"Her music touched all of us, but it was Dolly's warmth, humour and enormous heart that made her truly one of a kind."

Image source, Getty Images

US country music superstar Reba McEntire has paid tribute to her "buddy Dolly".

Here's her full statement following the news of Dolly Parton's death:

"Well, I just got the news that my buddy Dolly passed onto the higher and greater side. 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."

Noor Nanji
Culture correspondent

One of Dolly Parton’s most impressive qualities was her ability to appeal to fans of all ages.

Her timeless classics, wit, and storytelling that took in her humble beginnings, are all partly to thank for that.

Her film roles also introduced her to a wider audience, as she demonstrated her versatility beyond music. Her championing of children’s literacy also played a key role in broadening her appeal.

In 1999, she launched the Imagination Library, which gave free books to children in Tennessee.

It has since expanded to Australia, the UK, Ireland and Canada, sending out millions of free books every year – and it was all inspired by her own father's illiteracy.