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Parton dies at 80
Dolly Parton, the country music singer-songwriter and philanthropist, died on Tuesday at age 80, with her publicist saying she “died peacefully” in Nashville.
“died peacefully in Nashville”
ABC News reported that a later statement said Parton died at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center after “bravely facing a brief battle with cancer,” surrounded by loved ones.
The BBC also said Parton died after a “brief battle with cancer,” and described her death as occurring following a period in which tributes poured in across genres and countries.
CNN said Parton passed away “after bravely facing a brief battle with cancer,” and noted that President Donald Trump ordered flags at the White House lowered to half-staff in her honor.
In a separate statement, CBS News quoted Parton’s team saying, “After bravely facing a brief battle with cancer, Dolly departed her Earthly life today at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center surrounded by loved ones.”
Tributes and public reactions
The BBC described tributes that poured in after Parton’s death, including comments from musicians across genres and countries.
Motley Crue said Parton “was not only one of the greatest songwriters of all time, but a bright, shining star who helped change the world for the better,” and rapper Eminem posted that he was “Even for a kid who mostly listened to rap music, she was an icon.”
CNN reported that the Empire State Building honored Parton by glowing with pink sparkly lights at 9:25 p.m. ET, “a nod to her iconic song ‘9 to 5.’”
In a statement, singer Linda Ronstadt said, “One of the most extraordinary musical experiences of my life was recording with her,” and added, “The world is a poorer place without her.”
CBS News said President Trump called Parton “a true loss for millions of people” and ordered the American flag lowered across the country starting Tuesday evening.
Legacy and what’s next
Parton’s death was accompanied by details about how her family planned to mark it, including that a small private service would be held for immediate family.
“At Dolly’s request, a small, private service will be held for immediate family”
ABC News said her publicist announced “A small private service will be held for immediate family,” and it also noted that Parton’s team said she died at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center surrounded by loved ones.
Billboard reported that at Dolly’s request, “a small, private service will be held for immediate family,” and said fans were encouraged to pay tribute by tagging @DollyParton or leaving a message at www.dollyparton.com.
Billboard also said the family asked for donations in lieu of flowers to be made to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library at www.imaginationlibrary.com.
CBC News added that Parton opened the 150-acre Dollywood theme park in homage to her hometown and the people of east Tennessee on May 3, 1986, and it described her as having written more than 3,000 songs, including “9 to 5.”