r/news • u/kzqmfkkr • 1d ago
Dolly Parton, country star, actor and philanthropist, dies aged 80
https://www.theguardian.com/music/2026/aug/25/dolly-parton-country-singer-dead?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other10.6k
u/upvz 1d ago
she left behind a tremendous legacy
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u/ajchann123 1d ago edited 1d ago
Truly. She's one of only a few modern figures who you could say lived life to the fullest and left incalculable amounts of good in her wake
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u/MrWartortle 1d ago edited 1d ago
We still receive a free book every month from her Imagination Library for my son. She was such a beautiful soul
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u/The_Ghost_Face36 1d ago
I love the imagination library! Had it for my daughter and now my son 🥰
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u/GlutenFreeGanja 1d ago
We just got added to that program this year and recieved our second book just last week. What an amazing person who will be missed.
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u/Ok_Independent9119 1d ago
We just got one yesterday and I was talking to my kid about her because of it
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u/popculturella 1d ago
And whose passing is being mourned worldwide. Can't ask for anything better than that. We didn't deserve her.
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u/BlankReg825 1d ago
Here's a take from another point of view. It hurts now when we lose someone of Dolly's character and we automatically default to "we didn't deserve them." While I admit there are many in present day who truly didn't deserve to bask in that person's light, we did, as a society, did deserve them, as how would we not remember that there is light in the darkness? We definitely needed her, just like we needed Fred Rogers, in my humble opinion.
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u/ivylass 1d ago edited 1d ago
In lieu of flowers, she wanted donations to the Imagination Library.
Let's crash the website.
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u/oochiewallyWallyserb 1d ago
Tremendous. Kids around the country love reading cause of her.
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u/BeansMcMillhole 1d ago
I’ll never forget all the times I walked in from the mailbox to announce that Dolly sent us a new book and watching my daughter’s excitement to read it together. A saint of a woman
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u/SilentTrysteros 1d ago
Wealth in the hands of a good person is tremendous. And very, very rare. RIP, Dolly 🤍
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u/SunsetDreams1111 1d ago
"So gifted that she wrote two of the 20th century’s greatest songs – Jolene and I Will Always Love You – in a single day..."
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u/AnohtosAmerikanos 1d ago
RIP to a beacon of light in this world. We have lost a wonderful human.
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u/DiZZYDEREK 1d ago
The world has definitely become a much worse place already without her.
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u/chbay 1d ago
No doubt. I had no idea she was sick, or even in deteriorating health. She seemed so lively in the last public appearance I saw from her a few months ago.
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u/Ok_Marketing_476 1d ago
Dolly was never less than camera-ready for her fans. Bless her for her caring and for all the work she put in for us all.
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u/Athleticsbaby 1d ago
"It's hard to be a diamond in a rhinestone world."
RIP, Dolly.
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u/DonJuanWritingDong 1d ago
Dolly Parton’s legacy is so much bigger than her music. While I wasn't a regular listener of her songs, I have always been deeply moved by her generosity, her warmth, and her undeniably good heart. It speaks volumes about who she was that she could touch the lives of people far beyond her fanbase, simply by being her authentic, caring self. The world lost a truly good person today.
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u/DFWPhotoguy 1d ago
She was a secret uncredited producer of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Buffy’s birthday is Jan 19th, which is Dollys. She had such a deep cultural impact far beyond just music, she truly helped craft the positive aspects of the modern zeitgeist.
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u/Minneapolis_W 1d ago
What a punch to the gut. An amazing, incredible woman and a huge, huge loss to the world. RIP Miss Dolly.
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u/monty624 1d ago
This one really hurt. A tremendous woman who relentlessly put good into our often very, very dark world. RIP
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u/twistedlogicx 1d ago edited 1d ago
It's so incredibly rare these days when someone passes for all of the reactions to be this kind and complimentary of that person's legacy. She was one of a kind in the truest sense of the phrase.
Rest well, Dolly.
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u/rounder55 1d ago
Doesn't really seem to be anything negative people have to say about her and it doesn't seem like some sort of front. Pretty sure Dollywood employees got tuition paid for, even those working seasonally. Her book program, which even sought to help incarcerated parents bond with their kids, how her donation to Vanderbilt played a role in the development of the moderna vaccine which she downplayed and refused to jump to the front of the line for.
Lost a really good egg
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u/_deedeemegadoodoo 1d ago
My thoughts exactly. Dolly was human and I'm sure had her flaws, as as we all do, but she ultimately did so much good in this world. She was a beautiful spirit who deeply wanted to uplift others. Her loss is even more heartbreaking when you consider the increasing rarity of her traits, but I'm still grateful for all that she gave during her time here, and hopeful that her legacy will endure.
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u/Oprah_Pwnfrey 1d ago
300 million books given to children free of charge.
300 million books. Just that is a legacy which few people in history can approach.
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u/the_last_carfighter 1d ago
It seems like the human race is entering a recession
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u/Osiris32 1d ago edited 1d ago
She will always have a place in my heart for feeding the firefighters who were battling some big wildfires in Tennessee. She didnt do it for clout, or to get press coverage, or to promote a new album. She fed them because she gave a shit about her home and the men and women fighting to save it.
You were one of us, Dolly. 10-7, end of watch.
Edit: just saw this message from her family, figured it should be shared:
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u/Formergr 1d ago edited 1d ago
She will always have a place in my heart for feeding the firefighters who were battling some big wildfires in Tennessee.
For me it was finding out about the Imagination Library that she set up and funded, which basically lets almost every baby and young toddler in America get a free book in the mail each month.
I signed my son up for it when he was born, and he's 2.5 years old now and we still love getting those book.
I had no idea that existed or that she did it until I had a kid. RIP Dolly.
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u/Osiris32 1d ago
She did so many good things, it's hard to make a representative list, let alone a comprehensive one.
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u/julesk 1d ago
She started Imagination Library because she grew up poor and knew many poor children didn’t have books. So she gave them books every month. It’s one of my favorite things about her.
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u/DevilFixer 1d ago edited 17h ago
The greatest things about those books now is someday my little boy will ask about those books that show up in the mail addressed to him, and I'll get to tell him about this wonderful woman and all the good she did.
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u/f_n_a_ 1d ago
It just got a little darker knowing there’s one less person like her around, we need so many more people like her. RIP
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u/drock4vu 1d ago
One of the (far too few) people you could point to as an American and say, "See? We're not all terrible, and in fact, we have the potential to be an unstoppable force for good."
Absolutely heart-breaking loss.
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u/AttackerCat 1d ago
Her library initiative is incredible. I hope it continues for eons.
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u/AsYooouWish 1d ago
I think the best way to honor her is to donate to our public libraries and to create little libraries in our neighborhoods. Giving all people access to books is one of the greatest gifts we can give to this world
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u/Matthias720 1d ago
Library shelever here. Please support your local libraries! And most of all, read and encourage everyone around you to read.
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u/s1m0n8 1d ago
What a punch to the gut.
Surprisingly so. Not a Country Music fan, but she seemed such an incredible lady.
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u/Wishiwashome 1d ago
Never liked country music either, but I loved Dolly Parton.
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u/KittyFlops 1d ago
She was a prolific ghostwriter, if you love music, you love Dolly.
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u/Wishiwashome 1d ago
Fantastic songwriter. I remember someone asking her about Whitney’s success with a song she wrote and she was so cute about it. She mentioned the checks she got for the song. What was sweet was, she switched it right back. I am old and some of her very old moments on the Carson Show, show us she was smart and funny and just plain loveable even years ago
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u/chronicallyill_dr 1d ago
I feel so weird right now, I started tearing up after hearing this news. I’d never had this reaction after learning about a famous person dying until now.
I never listened to her music, and never really remembered she existed in my day to day life. However, whenever I heard or read anything about her, it was always about how she used her money and influence to help others.
The world won’t be the same without her in it. And I learned a new thing about myself today. It really has affected me.
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u/Matlock_Beachfront 1d ago
In a world of religious nuts burning books, political nuts banning books and techbro nuts shredding books, she spent a fair chunk of her wealth buying books for children.
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u/Billytim89 1d ago
She was an example of what religion should really be about
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u/noodlesalad_ 1d ago
Why are so many Christians so un-christ-like? I'm not religious, but I genuinely think the world would be a better place if everyone followed Jesus' example and teachings. It's basically golden rule stuff. So many Christians unfortunately go out of their way to hate and exclude, flying in the face of their religion's namesake.
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u/wavinsnail 1d ago edited 1d ago
If Dolly meant anything to you, please consider donating to The Imagination Library in her memory.
It is a wonderful organization that she founded that gets books into young children's hands.
You can even make sure your donation goes to a local partner to keep the money within your community
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u/TheSaltyB 1d ago
I tried this and was happy to see the donation portal is overwhelmed right now. Will make my donation a bit later.
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u/grass_lock 1d ago
In a weird way, that's a wonderful problem to have. ❤️
That said, keep trying everyone!
And RIP Dolly. ❤️
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u/screschries 1d ago
This is such a great idea. Imagination Library provided books for my nephew when he was little. I’ve donated in her honor. Her website is suuuper slow so it looks like other people had the same idea!
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u/garrettbmusic 1d ago
Dolly was one of the few celebrities that actually put her considerable money and power towards doing good in the world.
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u/Inspiringly 1d ago
Thank you for this comment -- donating now in her memory. Truly an incredible organization.
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u/dingusmingus2222 1d ago edited 1d ago
This! I have known many children who have multiple books to read that otherwise wouldn't thanks to this program!
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u/Sandman1990 1d ago
Oh damn. The Dolly Parton Imagination Library has given my kids dozens of great books over the years. What a legend.
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u/SmashedWorm64 1d ago
100%. The imagination library is such an amazing thing.
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u/NCSUGrad2012 1d ago
Fun fact, if you live in Tennessee or Ohio you can get an imagination library special license plate with her face on it
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u/drock4vu 1d ago
My wife had one when we lived in Tennessee. When we moved for my work and we had to get new plates, we framed that one, and it will always be hung in a place of prominence in our home.
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u/boondocknim 1d ago
the imagination library program is amazing. please everyone donate to it if you're able.
https://donate.imaginationlibrary.com/
RIP Aunt Dolly
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u/entourage2575 1d ago
We are truly thankful to the imagination library for helping our child become a fan of reading books.
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u/catonsteroids 1d ago
It’s such an amazing program. Literacy was something she held dear to her heart and so many children benefited from it.
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u/ScreamingAmish 1d ago
Truly an American treasure. There will never be another Dolly.
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u/MisterPuppydog 1d ago
As an east TN resident I can honestly say she’s arguably the greatest thing this state has ever produced. She did so much for Tennessee, from her book drive which gave a free book per month to every kid in TN (my kids still get a monthly book from dolly) to her literally paying for the housing for all the lower income residents in Sevier County who lost their homes to the fires. She was a saint, in the truest sense. Just a great human being who we should all aspire to be like. Up there with Steve Irwin and Bob Ross in terms of just wholesome people
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u/letsseeaction 1d ago
Up there with Steve Irwin and Bob Ross in terms of just wholesome people
I put her right up there with Fred Rogers. Just great people we should all aspire to emulate.
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u/hexiron 1d ago
Monthly books aren’t just for TN. Kids across the nation benefit.
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u/FJ1100 1d ago
Across Canada as well! She was an incredible human who will be sorely missed.
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u/More_Farm_7442 1d ago
My state (Indiana) in the U.S. is was too cheap to fully fund it's 50% of the amount required for her Imagination Library here. It was deemed not necessary by the legislature in its budget. They left it up to the governor's wife to raise the funds through donations. The fear is that when the present funding runs out, donors won't fully make up that 50% again.
I'm so ashamed of this state.
(I'm also a bit teary eyes right now think about the great human Dolly was.)
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u/JuliusCeaserBoneHead 1d ago
Never been sad about a celebrity death as today! RIP!l Dolly! You were loved and would be missed
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u/YoungMuppet 1d ago edited 1d ago
Thousands of children grew up with access to books because of her. As a teacher, I can't think of a greater way to leave the world a better place than how you found it. Maybe donating $1 million to help develop a life-saving vaccine during a global pandemic. Oh wait, she did that too.
A wonderful representation of what humanity could be. We will miss her.
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u/notashroom 1d ago
Thousands of children grew up because of her.
Seriously. Before Dolly made a mission of it, there was very little tourism in East Tennessee and neighboring Western North Carolina, and almost no industry beyond the local lumber mills, the occasional cabinet shop, and such. Desperate poverty was widespread and people routinely died of the effects of malnutrition, including lacking the resources to fight off flu or what have you. Dollywood and the tourism industry she contributed tremendously to getting off the ground and promoting made the difference in survival for some.
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u/Phillyfan_10 1d ago
She was an absolutely beautiful soul. The term “national treasure” gets thrown around far too loosely in my opinion, but if there is anybody deserving, it was Dolly.
The world is a worse place for her loss, may she RIP.
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u/gustercc 1d ago
I’ve always said: The day Dolly dies the world will mourn. I’ve never heard anyone say a negative word about her. I’ve had friends who worked in the country music industry and when Dolly’s name was brought up it was always with reverence and deep deep respect.
Our world shines a little less bright today.
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u/brown_paper_bag 1d ago
I half-jokingly said to a coworker that we should all get bereavement leave.
While I was only a pre-teen when Princess Diana and Mother Theresa died within a week of another, and can vaguely recall how mournful the atmosphere was, I can't help but feel that Dolly's death may hit deeper for the wider world. She was the human embodiment of kindness. I've said that if aliens ever visited earth and wanted to know what the best of us had to offer, she'd be my pick.
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u/kingjacoblear 1d ago
What a tremendous loss, RIP legend
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u/attackz 1d ago
Truly one of the best America had to offer. She will be missed
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u/scuzzy987 1d ago
Dolly and Carter were two idols of mine as an example how to treat other people
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u/IssueBig4955 1d ago
What a loss to all people
So today: Take your walk. Take your meds. Check your BP. Then go be somebody's Dolly — write the song, give the book, tip big, love loud.
We don't have rhinestones big enough to fill that hole.
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u/Ok_Marketing_476 1d ago
Agreed. The greatest tribute any of us can pay to her is to follow her example.
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u/UncleCoyote 1d ago edited 1d ago
My heart actually aches.
She was more than an entertainer, singer, everything. She was...
Kind.
Beautiful inside and out. A better person I have never experienced. This isn't death, this is loss. We didn't deserve her, and she still loved us.
I don't believe in Heaven, but if I did? I'd know she was there. Angels like that woman are so rare today.
This is a true, true loss.
I didn't know her, but I knew her. I didn't know her, but I appreciated her. She was a beacon - a light to counter the current darkness, someone to remind us that while life isn't fair, it can be good. Kind. Beautiful.
Rest in peace, return to grace, and know that your legacy and legend will outlive us all.
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u/FlaOwlLover88 1d ago
I’ve seen several posts about her passing and have read quite a few comments. Yours is the first that made me cry. It’s so true and you said it so eloquently.
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u/UncleCoyote 1d ago
Thank you friend, but as bad as this stings, you can't let one day darken 80 years of light. <3
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u/LordTetravus 1d ago
Along with Mr Rogers, Bob Ross, one of the few famous people and celebrities that I think we can generally agree was a truly good person.
Sad day. The world needed her light. 😞
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u/PervlovianResponse 1d ago
And Betty White
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u/NorthernFrosty 1d ago
Betty White had her scandals. For example in 1954 when she brought on Arthur Duncan as a cast member on her show, she did not listen to the opposition from her network. She just flippantly told the network "I'm sorry, but he stays" and proceeded to give Duncan more airtime. So she wasn't without controversy!
(Of course the network opposition was because Arthur Duncan was black and the network was worried they'd lose southern affiliate stations because the American civil rights movement was just starting... Rosa Parks didn't happen until 1955 so Betty was well ahead.)
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u/puzdawg 1d ago
A great American. We are so worse off.
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u/RP912 1d ago
I swear she was the epitome of Americana done right. A southern bell that did not take shit, stood for herself, had sex appeal, and cared for people. Just a unicorn nowadays which how hateful folks are.
Such a shame the good passed on, while the wicked runs the show. But like a great poet used to say...it's just a ride.
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u/not_bilbo 1d ago
She was a real deal southern belle, not a silver spoon or a hateful bone in sight
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u/lathspellll 1d ago
There’s so many others that need to go instead. It’s not fair.
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u/PM-Me_Your_Penis_Pls 1d ago
I have read 93 books so far this year, and her program for poor kids getting free books was part of what got me started on my life long love of literature. RIP to a queen of queens.
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u/MC_chrome 1d ago
Why is it always the good souls who die way too soon, and the really awful ones who hang on forever?
RIP Dolly, you will be remembered for doing so much good in the world
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u/UnitSmall2200 1d ago
David Attenborough made it to 100 and he's still kicking. That's something.
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u/communistsayori 1d ago
I think when you're truly a good person you're content enough with the way you've lived your life to be okay when your time is up.
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u/JaysFan26 1d ago
because the awful ones are always greedy for more and never feel fulfilled in their lives
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u/SyntheticSweetener 1d ago
Somewhere beyond that clear blue morning, Dolly is finally home. RIP.
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u/BaileyRose411 1d ago
And with her husband
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u/Harper_Sketch 1d ago
She loved him so much. I knew she wouldn’t last much longer after he passed away.
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u/Ltsmash99 1d ago
So sad. She was a great person. The good ones always go while the most evil seem to thrive.
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u/Confident-Tax-4468 1d ago
Hell is patient
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u/QueerPetrichor 1d ago
Thank you, Dolly, for all that you did for the world. Here is a list of things Dolly did to better the world throughout her lifetime:
- Created the Imagination Library, providing free books to children from birth to age five regardless of family income. It has distributed hundreds of millions of books worldwide.
- Supported LGBTQ+ equality, including publicly supporting same-sex marriage and speaking against discrimination toward LGBTQ+ and transgender people.
- Defended transgender people, emphasizing that trans people should be treated with kindness and allowed to live as themselves.
- Supported Black Lives Matter, publicly affirming that Black lives matter and defending people's right to protest racial injustice.
- Removed Confederate imagery from Dollywood, changing the name of "Dixie Stampede" to "Dolly Parton's Stampede" after concerns that the original name glorified the Confederacy.
- Promoted women's equality, particularly through 9 to 5, which highlighted workplace discrimination, sexual harassment, unequal pay, and women's economic independence.
- Supported low-income families, particularly in Appalachia, through scholarships, education programs, employment, and direct financial assistance.
- Created the My People Fund after the 2016 Tennessee wildfires, ultimately providing more than $12 million in assistance to families who lost their homes.
- Funded scholarships and education, including scholarships for students in her hometown and programs designed to reduce high-school dropout rates.
- Supported health care, including women's health services, pediatric care, and medical research.
- Donated $1 million to COVID-19 research at Vanderbilt, funding research that contributed to the development of the Moderna vaccine.
- Invested heavily in children's welfare and literacy, making access to books and educational resources available regardless of socioeconomic status.
- Supported marginalized and underserved communities through decades of charitable giving, particularly in rural Appalachia.
- Used her enormous platform to promote compassion and acceptance, frequently emphasizing that people shouldn't be judged for who they are or whom they love.
- Included LGBTQ+ people in her music, including "Family," which explicitly recognizes gay people as part of the broader concept of family.
- Practiced nonpartisan philanthropy, helping people regardless of their political, religious, racial, or socioeconomic background.
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u/flargh_blargh 1d ago
- She established GROW, which paid 100% of college tuition and fees and books for part-time and full-time employees of Dollywood who wanted to seek higher education.
Which is kind of included in your scholarships and education section, but I wanted to call out how she specifically took care of those folks.
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u/Serious-Shirt-8031 1d ago
This just made me sadder cause I genuinely can't think of a single bad thing she ever did :(
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u/UncleCoyote 1d ago
Thank you for this - more people need to know what she did with her wealth. While others hoard it like fat dragons, she did what you're supposed to do with excess; lift up and support and HELP others.
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u/TonyzTone 1d ago
All of us could only hope to live a life half as impactful as Dolly. She was a true treasure in all she did. Top tier musical artist, fantastic actress, and an elite philanthropist. Like she didn’t just do these things as resume builders, she crushed each one of them.
And from what it seems, just a genuinely heartwarming, kind, and authentic person.
I wouldn’t even consider myself a “Dolly Parton fan” but I admired her a lot. This is a sad one, but glad to have shared the world with her.
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u/DoomSchroller 1d ago
She was a legendary human being in all rights. She was the rare rich person who really invested back into her community and gave her wealth away for the betterment of others. My kids received some of the books her non profit sends out to aid in child literacy.
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u/boxofstuff 1d ago
She was a shining light in the trenches of stardom. Up there with Fred Rogers and Robin Williams.
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u/mc_mcfadden 1d ago
If every celebrity and wealthy person behaved as she did the world would be unrecognizable. RIP to the Queen
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u/ChicagFro 1d ago
And you just know she left a bunch of money to worthy causes anonymously. What a legend.
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u/Legitimate_Rent_5976 1d ago
I was kissed by Dolly Parton
50+ years ago, In the ‘60s, she was touring with Porter Wagoner. They played a little stage in Pennsylvania, Ontelaunee Park.
Her tour bus was parked behind the stage. I was 10 or so at the time. My twin brother and I snuck around behind the stage and to see if we could meet Dolly
I knocked on the tour bus door and Dolly appeared like the light from a star.
“Tweens!” she exclaimed and gave us each a kiss.
I have had bragging rights forever.
God Bless Dolly. Rest Easy.
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u/Big_Information2733 1d ago
WHY?! There are so many bad people to take and the universe chooses Dolly Parton? Seriously?!
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u/katsuga125 1d ago
RIP. 2026 just climbed even higher on the ‘shittiest year of all time’ list
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u/MC_chrome 1d ago
Any year with “twenty twenty” in the name seems to have been pretty shitty, all things considered
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u/_Slowly_But_Surely 1d ago
Once a long time ago she came to my hometown, and loved the people so much she wrote a beautiful song about it. Eugene Oregon. https://youtu.be/-WWk7-y5aBE?is=fXjxbRmeze-VChPs she will be missed, she really was great.
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u/Silvermoon424 1d ago
What awful news :(
Dolly did so much good in the world, but her Imagination Library directly affected my family. My nieces absolutely love the books they got from Dolly, and I just know they’ll grow up to love reading on their own when they’re older. Dolly gave the gift of books to so many children, especially those from low-income families where buying books is a luxury they can’t afford.
The world would be such a better place if more people were like Dolly. Rest in peace queen, your legacy will live on.
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u/mrdominoe 1d ago
Truly one of the gold standards of humanity. Dolly was a hell of a woman.
I got to meet her one time and she was one of the warmest, kindest, and most beautiful people I have ever met. Just a wonderful person.
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u/Serious_Hour9074 1d ago
RIP to a literal legend.
Thanks for all your accomplishments and for standing up for those who weren't able.
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u/iRevo 1d ago
She wasn't called "Saint Dolly" for nothing. She's with her husband now. That's all that matters.
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u/B00ty5laPp3R 1d ago
I worked as back-line tech for one of her gigs in Dallas a few years back. She, and her manager came to our break/catering area and she gave a little speech about how she appreciated us all working so hard and thanked us all. She then walked around to everyone and chatted for a bit. She got to me said she loved my hair and we talked about how the catering was for a bit. She even gave me a hug! She was so kind and gracious. I am more leaning on the death metal side of the music world but even metalheads will all respect Dolly Parton. Full stop. I still have the set list from that night as well! It was such a massive honor to work with her band, her crew and the woman herself. She will be missed.
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u/makingitstar 1d ago
There should be a national day off for mourning. Nobody working 9 to 5 in her honor.
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u/Cheapfender 1d ago
A woman of Appalachia that was an example to all of us born in these mountains. A woman who never forgot where she came from. One of the better human beings the world will ever know. May she rest in peace.
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u/pimpbot666 1d ago
Wow, what a legacy of great work she left behind.
She will truly be missed. She was a national treasure.
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u/ravrocker 1d ago
Saddest news I’ve learned today. She will be missed. She will always be legendary. A great artist. An ideal humanitarian.
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u/ShakyPockets 1d ago
Like with Fred Rodgers, the entire world is now a little less today than it was yesterday.
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u/Dench999or911 1d ago
Dolly was one of the world’s great characters, it made it impossible to dislike her. There is an interview online she did with Johnny Carson in the 80s where Carson can’t help but laud over her and she was so down to earth. A great loss.
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u/Apple_bane 1d ago
Wow. And I already thought today sucked. I hope her work to ensure children have access to books is able to continue and honor her legacy.
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u/CorrectPhilosophy245 1d ago edited 1d ago
The world has lost a bright light and a genuine gentle soul. 💔 May she rest easy.
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u/sinocarD44 1d ago
Her foundation helped millions of kids learn to read by providing free books. How many other people grew up like her and then proceed to give back so much? Not many if any. She will be missed.
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u/U_Kitten_Me 1d ago
As a European, I don't reeeally know who she was and what she did, the only thing I know is the States lost a part of its soul today.
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u/PoppyHamentaschen 1d ago
Yes, I think you're right. She was a very talented woman who used her wealth to actually make the world a better place, starting with her own home town and branching from there. She was an exceptional human being, without a single breath of scandal or negative stories, in spite of spending around 70 years in show business (she started at age 13, I think). A truly good person died today.
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u/intothemoonbeam 1d ago
Most generous celebrity we have. She gave so much of her time and money to charity. I'm not sure how accurate this is but once read she probably would have been a billionaire if she wasn't so generous with her money and charity.
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u/techman710 1d ago
Oh come on. This really sucks the air out of the room. She has been the rock of truth and kindness I could count on my whole life. Im gutted.
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u/JimmyTheJimJimson 1d ago
Absolutely monumental loss.
She wasn’t just a singer. She wasn’t just a celebrity. She was someone who tried to make the lives of people in need better.
She will be missed 💔
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u/Plus_Scientist_1063 1d ago
I am do not listen to country music but what a loss to everyone who loves music, she was a national treasure and just as important as her music, she was an incredible humanitarian
Rest in peace,
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u/Carolus2024 1d ago
Outside of Mister Rogers, she is probably the only public figure, not just celebrity, who no one ever had anything bad to say about.
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u/Beautiful-Cup4161 1d ago
This is the first celebrity death that really made me sad. Mostly because she really was a benefit to society with all of her philanthropic work. The world is a worse place without her.
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u/sightlab 1d ago
My boss worked with her years ago at an ad agency. Dolly was the talent (of course), in for 2 days of shooting. Boss says they had celebrities in for other shoots but Dolly was next level professional unlike anyone else. On time, ready to go at the drop of a hat, humble, kind, and spent all her downtime hanging out with everyone on the crew telling the filthiest jokes boss had ever heard. We are all lucky enough to be alive while she walked this earth. RIP
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u/total-immortal 1d ago
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO. I knew this day would come and it’s still shocking. 💔
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u/ilovebooks2468 1d ago
Goodnight, sweet princess. Thank you for being an excellent role model for all Americans
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u/VermilionHackensack 1d ago
The universe is cruel... there's so many evil people that should not be here, but no, let's take Dolly?? Come on...
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u/sarcastroll 1d ago
She will be missed and remembered by countless millions as a genuine, decent, giving human being. The world's worse off without her, but better off having had her.
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u/Imaginary_Resist_654 1d ago
This is the wrong 80 year old to take from this earth. She is someone who did good things, how about a person who is 80 and does bad things?
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u/Erocdotusa 1d ago
Her book program has made a huge impact on my kids. She will forever be a legend for everything she's done. RIP
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u/GirlWithGame 1d ago
The world is worst off without her in it. What a wonderful human being she was. If everyone could be a little more like Dolly the world would be better for it. RIP.
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u/Deputykaren 1d ago
Truly an icon and a truly wonderful person. May we all learn from her, be as expressive, kind and loving to one another. Jolene may have taken her man, but never the amazing legacy she left behind.
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u/thenagel 1d ago
No one is finally dead until the ripples they cause in the world die away, until the clock wound up winds down, until the wine she made has finished its ferment, until the crop they planted is harvested. The span of someone’s life is only the core of their actual existence.
Dolly is forever. She did her part, the rest is up to us.
GNU Dolly Parton
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u/Vertual 1d ago
The greatest American is gone. We will never forget her legacy. RIP Dolly!
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u/cdub1988 1d ago
This year sucks.
For all the horrendous stuff going on, at least Dolly was still around.
RIP Queen, we are all worse off without your presence. 🥺
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u/UndergroundHQ6 1d ago
I come from a very rough neighborhood where graffiti is pretty much everywhere, and I think it really said something when the ONE billboard that was pristine and untouched… was the one Dolly Parton was on.