Country music legend Dolly Parton has died at the age of 80, her family confirmed in a statement on Tuesday, August 25. The news was announced in a video shared on Parton’s social media by her nephew, Bryan Seaver, who had also served as her head of security for more than two decades.

“Dolly has lived in the light and is in the arms of Jesus, surely met by Carl, her parents, and countless others who have watched her and longed for her to meet them in the heavens. Dolly opened doors, not just for me, but for her entire family to reach the potential we didn’t even know was possible,” Seaver said.

While the family did not disclose the cause of her death, Parton had been dealing with health issues for some time. Earlier this year, she cancelled her planned Las Vegas residency, explaining that she was still undergoing treatment and was not physically ready for the demands of performing on stage.

Born in 1946 in rural Tennessee, Parton grew up in a large family with very little money. She was one of 12 children raised in the Smoky Mountains, in circumstances she would later describe through some of her most personal music. After graduating from high school, Parton moved to Nashville to pursue music. She found success in country music, first through her association with Porter Wagoner and then as a solo artist, building a career that would stretch across more than six decades.

Parton became one of country music’s most successful artistes, with songs including Jolene, Coat of Many Colours, 9 to 5 and I Will Always Love You, among many others.

Over the years, she also expanded her career beyond music. She appeared in films such as 9 to 5 and Steel Magnolias, built a successful business empire and founded Dollywood, the popular theme park in Tennessee.

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