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"The Queen of Country," Dolly Parton, has passed away.
Arriving on the scene in 1967, Parton began a 60-year career that would have the East Tennessean traverse genres, mediums and even industries, blazing a path to become one of the great entertainers in all of history. After introducing herself with the record Hello, I'm Dolly, Parton went on to record more than 50 studio albums—another 48 of her own, alongside adding her voice to various collaborations, soundtracks and recorded live performances—selling over 100 million copies with 11 Grammys and nominations for two Academy Awards, three Emmys and a Tony among her accolades.
Her breakout theatrical performance reached home screens the same year with a starring role on The Porter Wagoner Show. As an actress, Parton received praise for her performances in 9 to 5 and Steel Magnolias. She was also a business tycoon, co-founding The Dollywood Company that operated multiple theme parks, a resort and an entertainment production studio, all located in the Smoky Mountains town of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.
The Dollywood Foundation launched major charitable efforts, including the Imagination Library that mailed over 300 million books to young children, and initiatives to assist the people living near her birthplace in Sevier County.
Parton was 80 years old and predeceased by her husband of 60 years, the spotlight-averse Carl Dean, in March of 2025.
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The last universally loved American.
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The end of an era. She had even been Bardcored:
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A thoroughly admirable person. She had talent for having talent, as Spencer Tracy said. She wore her fame well and used it for good work. May her story continue to inspire. Ave atque vale.
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RIP, Dolly.
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A post I wrote three years ago after a visit to Dollywood: (2) Dollywood Devotions › Ricochet .
She was an exceptional person along with being a great performer.
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