East Tennessee loses a humanitarian, icon
Her nephew and head of security, Bryan Seaver, announced the news for the family on Parton’s social media accounts.
“I have imagined the heaviness of this moment,” Seaver said in the clip, “but haven’t truly felt it until now. It is an honor that is mixed with pride and absolute sadness.
“But sadness lies with us, not with Dolly. 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.”
A native of Sevierville, Parton grew up in poverty as a child yet skyrocketed to international fame. She wrote timeless musical hits such as “Jolene” and “9 to 5” and appeared in films like 9 to 5 and Steel Magnolias.
Parton’s debut album was released in 1967, commencing a career spanning 60 years and 50 studio albums. Referred to as the “Queen of Country,” Parton became one of the most honored female performers in history, selling more than 100 million records in her career.
In the process, she racked up 11 Grammy Awards and three Emmy Awards, as well as two Academy Awards and a humanitarian Oscar win, six Golden Globe Awards and a Tony Award.
Parton gave back through the establishment of the Dollywood theme park — bringing jobs for people across the region. Inspired by her father’s inability to read and write, Parton also founded the Imagination Library, gifting free books to millions of children around the world. Most recently, she partnered with East Tennessee Children’s Hospital, as the name was changed to Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital.
Parton will be remembered for her generous spirit and kind heart as much as she will for the melodious voice that transported her from a one-room cabin to the height of stardom.
And for that, anyone who mourns her passing will recall the words of Parton’s 1974 hit: “I Will Always Love You.”
