It’s hard to imagine many people having a bigger impact than Dolly Parton. Born in a one-room cabin, she earned 11 Grammys and an Emmy, built a business empire, helped millions of kids learn to read, and — as if that wasn’t enough — helped accelerate the research that led to the Moderna COVID vaccine. What a life. Michelle and I are thinking of Dolly’s family and her many, many fans.
Dolly Parton was one of the great entertainers of our era. She was not only a talented musician & songwriter, but a lifelong philanthropist and advocate for literacy, education, LGBTQ+ rights, healthcare and disaster relief.
Her music and humanity touched millions. She will be sorely missed.
Dolly Parton was one of a kind—a great songwriter and performer who told the stories of everyday Americans with honesty, humility, and heart. She rose high from her East Tennessee roots and never forgot where she came from. And she always believed in giving back, especially in her efforts to promote literacy. Hillary and I were big fans and first saw her in 1974, and will always be grateful for the music and the memories. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family, her legion of fans, and everyone who loved her.
We throw around words like “icon” and “legend” too easily, but in the case of Dolly Parton they don’t seem like enough. I can think of few public figures in my lifetime more universally respected and beloved.
Dolly…you were pure light, with a kind heart and a generous spirit. We will now be missing one of the most joyful voices this world has ever known. Thank you for the music, the laughter, and the love you gave us all. We will always love you. Rest in peace, Dolly.
- Celine xx…
Dolly Parton's biggest hit, "I Will Always Love You," topped the charts three times, and tonight serves as a powerful message to her fans.
ABC News' @DavidMuir has more.
Remembering the late, great Dolly, who brought joy, comfort and inspiration to so many - including the millions of children given free books through her Imagination Library. We will always ❤️ you.
TIME’s new cover: Dolly Parton, the beloved country-music superstar, died in Nashville at 80.
Known for writing about the lives of working-class people in more than 3,000 recorded songs and later giving away nearly 300 million books to children around the world, Parton’s life was a true Cinderella story. https://t.co/9hT8kjv3S0