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Dolly Parton, the rhinestone-clad "Queen of Country" who rose from poverty in the Tennessee hills to become one of American music's most beloved and enduring stars, has died at 80, her family announced Tuesday.
Her nephew, Bryan Seaver, delivered the news in a video posted to her social media accounts.
"Dolly has lived in the light and is in the arms of Jesus," he said, adding that the singer had "opened doors for generations of singers, songwriters, musicians, and dreamers from every walk of life."
No cause of death was given. Parton had spoken openly in recent months about ongoing health issues, and her husband of decades, Carl Dean, died last year.
A small private funeral service will be held for family, a representative told People magazine, and fans were encouraged to leave messages on Parton's website.
Born in 1946, one of 12 children in rural Tennessee, Parton left for Nashville immediately after high school.
By 1967, at 21, she had become one of the most recognizable figures in American music after joining Porter Wagoner's syndicated television show, which carried her voice and face into millions of homes.
Over a six-decade career, Parton wrote roughly 3,000 songs, including "Jolene," "Coat of Many Colors" and "I Will Always Love You," a ballad that later became an international hit for Whitney Houston.
She released 49 studio albums along with more than 100 compilation and collaboration records. Her songs have been covered by artists ranging from Shania Twain to Sinead O'Connor.
Parton's reach extended well beyond music. She acted in major Hollywood films, most notably the 1980 comedy "9 to 5," which produced her chart-topping title track.
She was also a prolific entrepreneur, building a business empire that included the Dollywood theme park along with ventures in cosmetics, pet apparel, baking mixes and even a truck stop.
She gave millions of dollars to charitable causes in Tennessee and beyond.
Parton had postponed a series of Las Vegas concerts last year, citing health concerns, and canceled them altogether in May, prompting concern among fans.
In social media videos, she said treatment for an unspecified illness was progressing but that she was not yet ready to return to performing.
Just last week, she told People magazine: "I still have so many things I want to achieve, so I'm gonna keep on working as long as I can to see everything come to life."
Parton won 10 Grammy Awards and 13 Academy of Country Music awards over her career. The Grand Ole Opry called her passing a profound loss, saying, "May her legacy live on through her songs, the lives she touched, and the countless artists she inspired.
There will never, ever be another one like her."
Her "9 to 5" co-stars were among those reacting with shock. Jane Fonda said she was "devastated," while Lily Tomlin offered only, "No words."
Musician Jack White, who covered "Jolene," wrote on Instagram that Parton deserved "instant sainthood."
Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger said, "She brought so many people together, we will all miss her so much."
Her death also drew a rare moment of unity across America's political divide. President Trump ordered flags lowered to half-staff nationwide for a week, calling it "a true loss for millions of people" and writing on Truth Social, "There has never been anyone like her, and never will."
Former President Bill Clinton, a Democrat, called her "one of a kind." New York's Empire State Building was set to be lit pink Tuesday evening in her honor.
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