Dolly Parton, the iconic singer-songwriter known for hits like "Jolene" and "Coat of Many Colors," has died at age 80.

Country music icon Dolly Parton has died at the age of 80, according to an announcement from her family. Over a career spanning seven decades, the Tennessee-born singer-songwriter became a global star, selling more than 100 million records and writing over 3,000 songs. Her death was confirmed by her nephew, Brian Seaver, in a video statement released on social media.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Born in 1946 as the fourth of 12 children, Parton grew up in a one-bedroom cabin in Tennessee. Her early exposure to music came from her mother and aunt, and she began performing in church at age six. By age 13, she performed at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, where she was introduced by Johnny Cash and received three encores. Following her high school graduation in 1964, she moved to Nashville to pursue her music career full-time.

Signature Songs and Legacy

Parton was widely celebrated for her storytelling, particularly in autobiographical tracks like "Coat of Many Colors," which detailed her impoverished but loving childhood. Her 1974 hit "Jolene" became one of her most recognizable songs, earning a Grammy nomination and reaching the Billboard Hot 100. Throughout her life, she maintained a distinct public image, which she described as both a "coat of armour" and a way to get noticed in the entertainment industry.