Ledendary country music icon Dolly Parton has died at the age of 80 after a brief battle with cancer.
Parton’s representatives confirmed her death in a statement to People magazine on Tuesday. The type of cancer she had been battling was not disclosed.
The singer died at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville, surrounded by her loved ones, according to her representatives.
News of Parton’s death has triggered an outpouring of tributes from musicians, actors and other public figures around the world.
Singer Celine Dion described Parton as “pure light with a kind heart and a generous spirit”, while actress Anne Hathaway praised the country star for the example she set throughout her life.
Singer and actress Jennifer Hudson also paid tribute to Parton, saying she showed that a woman could be powerful, beautiful and talented while remaining kind and generous.
Rapper and singer Pitbull remembered Parton during a concert in New York, where he performed her hit song 9 to 5.
Country singer and rapper Jelly Roll also paid tribute during an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live, describing Parton as a much-loved American figure.
Parton leaves behind a career spanning more than six decades and a catalogue of enduring hits including Jolene, 9 to 5, I Will Always Love You and Coat of Many Colors.
Beyond music, she was widely recognised for her philanthropy, particularly through her Imagination Library literacy programme, which provides books to children.
