US media has reported that country music icon Dolly Parton died at the age of 80 following a brief battle with cancer.
The death of the legendary singer, songwriter, actress and philanthropist was announced by her family on Tuesday.
Parton’s representatives later confirmed that she had been battling cancer before her death.
Her passing comes months after she cancelled a series of planned Las Vegas performances because of ongoing health concerns.
Family pays tribute to legendary singer
Parton’s nephew, Bryan Seaver, paid tribute to the music star in a video shared on social media.
He said Parton had “lived in the light” and was now “in the arms of Jesus”.
Seaver also praised her contribution to the entertainment industry, saying she had opened doors for generations of singers, songwriters and musicians.
Parton’s family did not initially reveal her cause of death when announcing her passing.
However, People magazine reported that she had been admitted to a cancer treatment facility on Friday.
The singer had also recently acknowledged that she was “dealing with some health issues”.
Health concerns forced her off stage
Parton had spoken publicly about her health in recent months.
In May, she announced the cancellation of several Las Vegas concerts, explaining that she needed to focus on her health.
In videos shared online, she said her treatment for an unspecified illness was going well.
However, she said she was not yet ready to return to performing on stage.
Her health struggles came after the death of her husband, Carl Dean, who died last year.
From Tennessee poverty to global fame
Parton was born into poverty in Tennessee but went on to become one of the biggest names in American entertainment.
She moved to Nashville shortly after graduating from high school to pursue a career in country music.
Her breakthrough came in 1967 when she joined Porter Wagoner’s syndicated country music television show.
The programme helped introduce her music and personality to millions of Americans.
Over the next six decades, Parton built an extraordinary career and wrote about 3,000 songs.
Her catalogue included major hits such as “Jolene”, “9 to 5”, “Coat of Many Colours” and “I Will Always Love You”.
“I Will Always Love You” later became a global hit for Whitney Houston after she recorded the song for The Bodyguard soundtrack.
Parton’s legacy extends beyond music
Parton’s achievements went beyond her success as a recording artist.
She established herself as an actress, author, philanthropist and highly successful businesswoman.
Her music earned her the status of a country music icon, while her distinctive personality made her a major figure in American popular culture.
Her songs were also recorded by numerous artists, including Shania Twain, Sinéad O’Connor and The White Stripes.
Following her death, tributes poured in from across the United States.
President Donald Trump ordered American flags to be lowered to half-staff nationwide for a week in her honour.
Trump described Parton’s death as a “true loss for millions of people” and said, “There has never been anyone like her, and never will.”
Parton leaves behind a musical legacy that spans generations and a body of work that has influenced artists far beyond the country music genre.
