Dolly Parton, legendary country star, actor and philanthropist, dies aged 80

Songwriter of 'I Will Always Love You', 'Jolene', and '9 to 5' also invested millions in child literacy, covid vaccine development, and other causes

Dolly Parton on the stage at Live at the Marquee Cork. /Picture: File Picture: Miki Barlok

Dolly Parton, one of the greatest singer-songwriters in country music who was also much cherished for her philanthropy, has died aged 80.

Her death was announced by nephew Brian Seaver on Instagram. “I have imagined the heaviness of this moment but haven’t truly felt it until now,” he said. “It is an honour, an honour that is mixed with absolute pride and great sadness.”