American music icon Dolly Parton has died at the age of 80 following a short battle with cancer, surrounded by her loved ones.
Her spokesman, Marcel Pariseau, confirmed her death to CNN a few hours after she passed away at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center.
Parton's nephew, Brian Seaver, had initially announced that the legendary country singer-songwriter passed away in Nashville, Tennessee, though her struggle with cancer emerged as a new development.
Tributes to a country legend
Pariseau said Parton faced a short battle with cancer with courage before passing away at the medical centre surrounded by family and close friends.
He paid tribute to her career, stating that she dedicated her life to bringing joy, laughter, hope and integrity to everything she touched.
He added that her unmatched generosity impacted countless people she would never meet, as she was always ready to lend a helping hand.
Philanthropy and charitable legacy
Among her philanthropic efforts, Pariseau highlighted her distribution of more than 300 million free books to children through the Imagination Library.
Parton established the organisation in memory of her father, who could neither read nor write.
Pariseau also pointed to her financial support for research into life-saving vaccines as an example of her unconditional love for humanity, describing that devotion as the guiding force behind her lasting influence.
A historic career in American music
Parton rose from humble beginnings in rural Tennessee to become one of the most celebrated figures in country music history.
Known for hit songs such as Jolene, 9 to 5, and I Will Always Love You, she earned international acclaim over a career spanning six decades as a singer, songwriter, actress and philanthropist.
