Arabic version: وفاة دوللي بارتون عن عمر 80 عاماً

According to ABC News, American country music legend Dolly Parton has died aged 80. Her publicist said she died at a Nashville hospital following a brief battle with cancer. Her nephew, Bryan Seaver, announced her death in a social media video message, saying his family had shared a lifetime of beautiful memories with her.

Parton had been one of country music’s most recognisable stars for decades. She was known for songs including Jolene, I Will Always Love You and 9 to 5, which she wrote and recorded for the 1980 comedy film of the same name. She won 11 Grammy Awards from more than 50 nominations, including a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Last year, Parton said she was experiencing unspecified health challenges, leading to the cancellation of a planned Las Vegas residency. In an October video, she said she was not ready to die yet. Beyond her recording career, she was known for philanthropy. Dollywood has operated in Tennessee since 1986, while the Dollywood Foundation was established two years later to help reduce school dropout rates in East Tennessee.

The foundation launched the Imagination Library in 1995, giving free books each month to children across the United States until they reach five. The program has shared 200 million books with children around the world. US President Donald Trump said flags would be lowered nationwide for a week in her honour. A post on Parton’s Instagram account said a small private service would be held for immediate family, while friends and fans were encouraged to share tributes online.

Tributes also came from across music and film. Jane Fonda said she was devastated, while Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum CEO Kyle Young described Parton’s legacy as humanity. Fans signed a guest book at the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville and left flowers at her Hollywood Walk of Fame star.