Singer, Songwriter, & Imagination Library Founder Dolly Parton Dies at Age 80
NASHVILLE, TN, – American Music has lost a legend.
Dolly Parton has died at the age of 80.
According to her family, she passed peacefully at her home in Nashville on Tuesday.
The news comes after Parton missed the recent opening of a new ride at Dollywood because of ongoing health issues.
A rescheduled Las Vegas residency was also canceled due to what she called “health challenges”.
Parton rose from humble beginnings in Tennessee to become one of the biggest stars in Country Music.
She wrote more than 3,000 songs over her half a century career. Some noteworthy hits include, “9 to 5”, “Jolene”, and “I will always love you”.
Parton won 11 Grammys and is a member of both the Country and Rock and Roll Hall of Fames.
She was also one of the country’s most beloved philanthropists. She launched the Imagination Library in 1995, which mails children one book each month from the time they are born until they turn 5.
Back on National Book Lovers Day in August 2022, Governor Mike DeWine also declared the day “Dolly Parton” Day in celebration of the success of the Imagination Library.
In a statement from First Lady Fran DeWine, she says “Mike and I are deeply saddened to learn of the death of Dolly Parton. She touched countless lives in profound and meaningful ways.
Her devotion to children and literacy is unparalleled. Because of Dolly, millions of children around the country and the world are getting free books and learning how to read, which will, in many cases, change the trajectory of their lives.
Because of Dolly’s vision and generosity, over one million Ohio children have received free books in the mail, totaling nearly 28 million books. Her generosity and selfless spirit leave a legacy that will live on for generations to come. We remain incredibly grateful for her compassion and commitment to others.”
In honor of her life and legacy, Governor Mike DeWine has ordered that all flags, U.S and the State of Ohio, will fly at half-staff until September 1st.
