WeeklySA_AdminICON: The country music icon, who died at 80, is being celebrated as much for her philanthropy and advocacy as for the songs that touched generations…
By Jessica Corbett
Dolly Parton died on Tuesday in Nashville, Tennessee, at the age of 80, prompting tributes from around the world to a cultural icon remembered not only for her decades in entertainment, but also for her philanthropy and belief that “everybody should be treated with respect”.
Parton’s nephew and head of security, Bryan Seaver, confirmed the country music legend’s death in a video message shared on her social media accounts.
As Rolling Stone reported, Parton was born on January 19, 1946, the fourth of Robert Lee and Avie Lee Owens Parton’s 12 children, in a one-room cabin on the banks of the Little Pigeon River. She grew up in rural poverty without plumbing or electricity.
An obituary shared on Parton’s platforms said she was preceded in death by her parents and her beloved husband of nearly six decades, Carl Thomas Dean, who died last year.
Her family asked that donations be made to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, which was inspired by her father’s inability to read and write. The programme has gifted more than 300 million books to children over the past three decades.
“Dolly Parton could have retired long ago having achieved greatness,” Congressman Ro Khanna said of the singer and actress, who won multiple Grammy and Emmy awards, among numerous other honours.
Her best-known songs include Coat of Many Colors, I Will Always Love You and Jolene.
Rather than retiring from the spotlight, Khanna said, “she chose to continue her life pursuing the arts, and pushing boundaries to advocate for inclusion, women’s rights, children’s literacy, and more. Dolly touched countless hearts and will forever be remembered.”
US Senator Bernie Sanders wrote on social media that Parton was one of the great entertainers of her era. “She was not only a talented musician and songwriter, but a lifelong philanthropist and advocate for literacy, education, LGBTQ+ rights, healthcare and disaster relief,” Sanders said. “Her music and humanity touched millions. She will be sorely missed.”
Senator Elizabeth Warren said Parton had gifted the world with her talent and heart.
“From supporting children, donating to science, investing in Tennessee, and giving us songs to sing our hearts out to — looking at you, 9 to 5 — she made the world a better place,” Warren said. “Thank you, Dolly, for leading with love.”
North Carolina Governor Josh Stein described Parton as “so special” and “universally loved”.
“The first word that came to my mind just now was ‘authentic’, which is funny since she is well known for her big wigs and extravagant gowns,” he said. “But she was always herself.”
Stein said Parton’s music was powerful and moving, but her impact extended far beyond entertainment.
“From providing kids free books to funding vaccine research and promoting tolerance, America lost one of our best today,” he said.
Former US labour secretary Robert Reich said Parton “represented the very best in America”, praising her empathy for people living in poverty, women subordinated by patriarchy and working women.
Other leading Democrats who posted tributes included Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and former House speaker Nancy Pelosi.
Pelosi called Parton “a singular American icon whose extraordinary voice, joyful spirit and generous heart brought light to millions and made America kinder and more hopeful”.
Parton took public positions on issues that have become deeply divisive in US politics, including LGBTQ+ rights and vaccine research, but generally avoided becoming involved in electoral politics.
She was also honoured by Republican politicians and conservative figures, including Cabinet members, federal lawmakers, governors and President Donald Trump. Trump ordered American flags to be flown at half-staff until sunset on September 1 in Parton’s honour.
Melanie D’Arrigo, executive director of the Campaign for New York Health, said Parton had spent her life helping children, marginalised communities and people in need while entertaining millions.
“She never had to; she chose to,” D’Arrigo said. “In a world full of wannabe Donald Trumps, choose to be a Dolly Parton”. – Common Dreams
