Kathmandu— Dolly Parton, the iconic American country music artist renowned for her songwriting, vibrant personality, and philanthropic efforts, has died at the age of 80. The musician passed away peacefully on Tuesday in Nashville, Tennessee, according to her publicist. Rising from humble beginnings in rural Tennessee, Parton achieved international acclaim with hits like “Jolene” and “9 to 5,” becoming one of the most recognizable and beloved figures in country music history.

A Life Dedicated to Music

Throughout her career, Dolly Parton penned hundreds of songs, including timeless classics such as “Jolene”, “9 to 5”, and “Coat of Many Colours,” earning widespread acclaim and affection from audiences worldwide. She first performed in church with her grandfather, a preacher, and made her debut at Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry at the age of 13, introduced by Johnny Cash as “a little girl here from up in East Tennessee.”

Parton's distinctive style – characterized by elaborate blonde wigs, sparkling outfits, and self-deprecating humor – helped propel her to superstardom. She overcame a challenging upbringing as one of twelve children raised by parents who struggled financially, using those experiences to inform her music and connect with fans on a deeply personal level.

Philanthropy and Enduring Legacy

Beyond her musical achievements, Parton was known for her generosity and commitment to giving back. She established the Imagination Library, an education nonprofit that provides free books to children across the state of Tennessee, demonstrating her dedication to literacy and opportunity.

Her nephew, Bryan Seaver, shared a heartfelt message on Parton’s Instagram account: “Dolly has lived in the light, and is in the arms of Jesus…She opened doors for generations of singers, songwriters, musicians, and dreamers.” Kyle Young, CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, stated that Parton's legacy was “not celebrity, but humanity,” adding she “shared her fortunes for the good of all of us.”

National Mourning and Recognition

News of Parton’s death prompted an outpouring of grief from fans who shared stories about her warmth and generosity. US President Donald Trump announced he was ordering flags to be flown at half-staff for a week in her honor.

Parton's musical talent was also widely recognized within the industry; she received 55 Grammy nominations, winning 10 awards, making her the third-most nominated woman in Grammy history.

Dolly Parton’s impact on country music and beyond will be felt for generations to come, as fans remember a life dedicated to artistry, kindness, and uplifting others.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.