The world lost one of country music’s most recognizable voices with the passing of Dolly-Parton on August 25 th at the age of 80.
Born and raised from humble beginnings in the mountains of East Tennessee in 1946, Dolly quickly became a well-known singer, songwriter, actress and philanthropist whose influence reached far beyond just country music.
She earned numerous honors throughout her career and had multiple hit songs during a career spanning more than six decades.
She was inducted into both the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and made her first appearance at the Grand Ole Opry in 1959 at the young age of 13.
Her legacy was about more than just country music, though. Through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, founded in 1995 in honor of her father, millions of free books have been placed in the hands of children in an effort to encourage a lifelong love of reading.
With her unmistakable voice, quick wit, love of fashion, and larger-than-life personality, Parton became an American icon whose impact will continue long after her final song. From the songs she shared to the lives she touched, Dolly Parton leaves behind a legacy that will be remembered for generations to come.