Country music singer and writer Dolly Parton passed away peacefully on Aug. 25 at the age of 80 following a private battle with cancer.
Parton was an American singer, songwriter, actress, businesswoman, and philanthropist who enjoyed a 60-year career as a successful crossover artist, becoming prominent in both country and pop music, as well as an actress in both film and television. She released her first album in 1967 and went on to record 50 studio albums.
Parton rose from humble beginnings to the greatest heights of American music and became one of the country’s most beloved stars.
She wrote more than 3,000 songs over the course of her career, of which many became hits for other singers such as Merle Haggard, Whitney Houston, Emmylou Harris, Kenny Rogers and Tina Turner.
Gov. Greg Abbott was among the many from across the world who issued a statement upon the news of Parton’s death.
“Our country has lost a beloved performer and philanthropist with the passing of Dolly Parton,” Abbott’s statement says. “Widely known as the “Queen of Country,” Dolly was even more highly regarded as an accomplished businesswoman and humanitarian. Her legacy will live on for generations to come, not only through her music, but also through the many causes she devoted her time, treasure, and talent to support.”
Abbott ordered that flags be flown at halfstaff in her memory.