Dolly Parton, the legendary American country music singer and songwriter known for hits such as “Jolene” and “I Will Always Love You,” has died at the age of 80.
Her family announced her death on Tuesday in a video shared on her Instagram page. Her nephew, Bryan Seaver, said he was speaking on behalf of the Parton and Owen families.
The family did not reveal the cause of death. Parton had faced health problems in recent months. In May, she cancelled a number of Las Vegas shows because of ongoing health concerns. In her last Instagram video, she said her treatment for an unspecified illness was going well.
Often called the “Queen of Country Music,” Parton had a career that lasted more than 60 years. She sold more than 100 million records worldwide and wrote thousands of songs.
Her biggest hits include “Jolene,” “9 to 5,” and “I Will Always Love You.” The latter became an even bigger worldwide hit when Whitney Houston recorded her version in 1992.
Parton was born into a poor family in rural Tennessee. She was the fourth of 12 children, and her family lived in a small one-room cabin.
Music was part of her life from an early age. Her mother sang folk songs, while one of her aunts played the guitar and wrote songs.
Parton began singing in church when she was just six years old, with her grandfather serving as the pastor.
She went on to become one of the biggest stars in country music, while also building a successful career in acting, television and business.
Despite her fame, Parton remained connected to her humble beginnings and became known around the world for her music, humour, kindness and charitable work.
The post Dolly Parton, Country Music Legend, Dies at 80 appeared first on Nigerian Entertainment Today.
Article origin: https://thenet.ng/dolly-parton-country-music-legend-dies-at-80/
Original author: Adedeji Adeyanju
