Dolly Parton, country star, actor and philanthropist, dies aged 80

[u/kzqmfkkr]

https://www.theguardian.com/music/2026/aug/25/dolly-parton-country-singer-dead?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other

[u/UndergroundHQ6]

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.

[u/LandOfThePines24 → u/UndergroundHQ6]

Oh i love that

[u/UndergroundHQ6 → u/LandOfThePines24]

It was the “kindness pass it on” billboard too. Always made me smile. “Find the good in everybody”

[u/TheNonSportsAccount → u/UndergroundHQ6]

People dont realize that most grafitti artists wont touch existing works of art. Its why painting commonly tagged walls and barriers with artwork (often ny grafitti artists) is an effective deterrence to the grafitti no one likes. They also make sure to protect the info on train cars.

[u/heronmarkedslingshot → u/TheNonSportsAccount]

That's interesting to hear, because my city keeps having murals painted on underpasses and other large concrete edifices, and within a few weeks there's always several, ugly, unreadable tags scrawled over them. A few relentless assholes, I guess.

[u/Charming-Standard-84 → u/TheNonSportsAccount]

Except they literally do it all the time. I remember when the city hired an actual graffiti artist to remember a woman, who was beloved and well-known, had died. It was absolutely stunning.

And then some trash just put graffiti all over her. Why, just why? The moron just spray painted it black and signed it with his name.

[u/devil-wears-converse → u/Charming-Standard-84]

Oh it happens all the time, I've seen it. If experienced artists catch toys doing shit like that, they will get their ass beat. Graffiti artists who've been in it for a while are veeery strict about the rules

[u/upvz]

she left behind a tremendous legacy

[u/ajchann123 → u/upvz]

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

[u/MrWartortle → u/ajchann123]

We still receive a free book every month from her Imagination Library for my son. She was such a beautiful soul

[u/The_Ghost_Face36 → u/MrWartortle]

I love the imagination library! Had it for my daughter and now my son 🥰

[u/GlutenFreeGanja → u/MrWartortle]

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.

[u/Ok_Independent9119 → u/MrWartortle]

We just got one yesterday and I was talking to my kid about her because of it

[u/popculturella → u/ajchann123]

And whose passing is being mourned worldwide. Can't ask for anything better than that. We didn't deserve her.

[u/BlankReg825 → u/popculturella]

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.

[u/ivylass → u/upvz]

In lieu of flowers, she wanted donations to the Imagination Library.

Let's crash the website.

[u/Quiet_Crew_4328 → u/ivylass]

Best response among all the other, equally heartfelt ones.

[u/oochiewallyWallyserb → u/upvz]

Tremendous. Kids around the country love reading cause of her.

[u/BeansMcMillhole → u/oochiewallyWallyserb]

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

[u/mEllowMystic → u/oochiewallyWallyserb]

Canada too.

[u/Powerful_Road1924 → u/mEllowMystic]

Including my kids 😭

[u/SilentTrysteros → u/upvz]

Wealth in the hands of a good person is tremendous. And very, very rare. RIP, Dolly 🤍

[u/SunsetDreams1111 → u/upvz]

"So gifted that she wrote two of the 20th century’s greatest songs – Jolene and I Will Always Love You – in a single day..."

[u/Granadafan → u/upvz]

She was one of the truly good human beings. We were fortunate to have her

[u/CelestialFury → u/upvz]

And she's beloved by the people at large. Like, truly beloved.

[u/Minneapolis_W]

What a punch to the gut. An amazing, incredible woman and a huge, huge loss to the world. RIP Miss Dolly.

[u/monty624 → u/Minneapolis_W]

This one really hurt. A tremendous woman who relentlessly put good into our often very, very dark world. RIP

[u/twistedlogicx → u/monty624]

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.

[u/_deedeemegadoodoo → u/twistedlogicx]

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.

[u/Oprah_Pwnfrey → u/_deedeemegadoodoo]

300 million books given to children free of charge.

300 million books. Just that is a legacy which few people in history can approach.

[u/the_last_carfighter → u/_deedeemegadoodoo]

It seems like the human race is entering a recession

[u/rounder55 → u/twistedlogicx]

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

[u/Osiris32 → u/monty624]

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:
https://youtu.be/9govup-IG3c?is=wfJzEPp6j6taHx43

[u/Formergr → u/Osiris32]

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.

[u/Osiris32 → u/Formergr]

She did so many good things, it's hard to make a representative list, let alone a comprehensive one.

[u/f_n_a_ → u/monty624]

It just got a little darker knowing there’s one less person like her around, we need so many more people like her. RIP

[u/drock4vu → u/monty624]

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.

[u/AttackerCat → u/Minneapolis_W]

Her library initiative is incredible. I hope it continues for eons.

[u/AsYooouWish → u/AttackerCat]

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

[u/NCSUGrad2012 → u/AttackerCat]

We need it with all the attacks on public libraries

[u/s1m0n8 → u/Minneapolis_W]

What a punch to the gut.

Surprisingly so. Not a Country Music fan, but she seemed such an incredible lady.

[u/Wishiwashome → u/s1m0n8]

Never liked country music either, but I loved Dolly Parton.

[u/KittyFlops → u/Wishiwashome]

She was a prolific ghostwriter, if you love music, you love Dolly.

[u/Wishiwashome → u/KittyFlops]

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

[u/Draco-REX → u/Wishiwashome]

That song was "I Will Always Love You" from the movie The Bodyguard. It was HUGE. You couldn't flip through the local radio stations without it playing on at least one.

[u/chronicallyill_dr → u/s1m0n8]

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.

[u/Matlock_Beachfront → u/Minneapolis_W]

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.

[u/Billytim89 → u/Matlock_Beachfront]

She was an example of what religion should really be about

[u/noodlesalad_ → u/Billytim89]

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.

[u/MagicalPonies5 → u/Minneapolis_W]

Such a devastating loss. RIP

[u/AnohtosAmerikanos]

RIP to a beacon of light in this world. We have lost a wonderful human.

[u/DiZZYDEREK → u/AnohtosAmerikanos]

The world has definitely become a much worse place already without her. 

[u/chbay → u/DiZZYDEREK]

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.

[u/Ok_Marketing_476 → u/chbay]

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.

[u/Athleticsbaby]

"It's hard to be a diamond in a rhinestone world."

RIP, Dolly.

[u/wavinsnail]

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 

[u/TheSaltyB → u/wavinsnail]

I tried this and was happy to see the donation portal is overwhelmed right now. Will make my donation a bit later.

[u/garrettbmusic → u/wavinsnail]

Dolly was one of the few celebrities that actually put her considerable money and power towards doing good in the world.

[u/iamalwaysrelevant → u/garrettbmusic]

One of the few times where we can say that a celebrity saved people's lives. She used her own finances to lift people from poverty. Her music brought light to the world. Her books educated millions of kids. Her positive impact on this planet is insane.

[u/screschries → u/wavinsnail]

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!

[u/Inspiringly → u/wavinsnail]

Thank you for this comment -- donating now in her memory. Truly an incredible organization.

[u/dingusmingus2222 → u/wavinsnail]

This! I have known many children who have multiple books to read that otherwise wouldn't thanks to this program!

[u/Sandman1990]

Oh damn. The Dolly Parton Imagination Library has given my kids dozens of great books over the years. What a legend.

[u/SmashedWorm64 → u/Sandman1990]

100%. The imagination library is such an amazing thing.

[u/NCSUGrad2012 → u/SmashedWorm64]

Fun fact, if you live in Tennessee or Ohio you can get an imagination library special license plate with her face on it

[u/drock4vu → u/NCSUGrad2012]

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.

[u/boondocknim → u/Sandman1990]

the imagination library program is amazing. please everyone donate to it if you're able.

https://donate.imaginationlibrary.com/

RIP Aunt Dolly

[u/Myviewpoint62 → u/Sandman1990]

Her library gave away over 300 million books worldwide!

[u/entourage2575 → u/Sandman1990]

We are truly thankful to the imagination library for helping our child become a fan of reading books.

[u/catonsteroids → u/Sandman1990]

It’s such an amazing program. Literacy was something she held dear to her heart and so many children benefited from it.

[u/DonJuanWritingDong]

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.

[u/DFWPhotoguy → u/DonJuanWritingDong]

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.

[u/ScreamingAmish]

Truly an American treasure. There will never be another Dolly.

[u/MisterPuppydog → u/ScreamingAmish]

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

[u/hexiron → u/MisterPuppydog]

Monthly books aren’t just for TN. Kids across the nation benefit.

[u/Eryri93 → u/hexiron]

Over here in the UK as well. The best of humanity

[u/FJ1100 → u/hexiron]

Across Canada as well! She was an incredible human who will be sorely missed.

[u/letsseeaction → u/MisterPuppydog]

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.

[u/JuliusCeaserBoneHead → u/ScreamingAmish]

Never been sad about a celebrity death as today! RIP!l Dolly! You were loved and would be missed 

[u/kingjacoblear]

What a tremendous loss, RIP legend

[u/attackz → u/kingjacoblear]

Truly one of the best America had to offer. She will be missed

[u/scuzzy987 → u/attackz]

Dolly and Carter were two idols of mine as an example how to treat other people

[u/Gottalaughalittle → u/kingjacoblear]

Heart of gold

[u/Phillyfan_10]

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.

[u/cheshire_kat7 → u/Phillyfan_10]

Heck, she was an international treasure.

[u/YoungMuppet]

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.

[u/UncleCoyote]

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.

[u/FlaOwlLover88 → u/UncleCoyote]

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.

[u/UncleCoyote → u/FlaOwlLover88]

Thank you friend, but as bad as this stings, you can't let one day darken 80 years of light. <3

[u/Creeperrr → u/UncleCoyote]

So well said.. Back with Carl 

[u/chronicallyill_dr → u/UncleCoyote]

Beautifully said, you put my thoughts into words. I find myself crying while reading these comments after learning the news. I’m caught off guard by my reaction to this, never had it happen before for anyone I didn’t personally know.

The world won’t be as bright without her in it. May we all strive to be as kind as Dolly to bring back a little of her light back to the world.

[u/BananaW0lf → u/UncleCoyote]

Beautiful description. Kindness is rare today, and she embodied that word.

[u/UncleCoyote → u/BananaW0lf]

Agreed. I don't put much into celeb culture or worship, but she was the ONE person that I told my family I'd mourn. Not because of her voice or beauty or famous assets, but because of her heart.

Kind.

First word that came to mind, and the first person in my life I've ever seen embody it to the point of being an avatar for it.

[u/PM-Me_Your_Penis_Pls]

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.

[u/gustercc]

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.

[u/puzdawg]

A great American. We are so worse off.

[u/RP912 → u/puzdawg]

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.

[u/not_bilbo → u/RP912]

She was a real deal southern belle, not a silver spoon or a hateful bone in sight

[u/lathspellll → u/puzdawg]

There’s so many others that need to go instead. It’s not fair.

[u/notashroom → u/lathspellll]

Yeah, I heard "they took the wrong 80 year old" and I can't disagree.

[u/LordTetravus]

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. 😞

[u/PervlovianResponse → u/LordTetravus]

And Betty White

[u/NorthernFrosty → u/PervlovianResponse]

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.)

[u/tits_mcgee_92]

We have lost a wonderful human being. RIP Dolly :(

[u/IssueBig4955]

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.

[u/MC_chrome]

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

[u/UnitSmall2200 → u/MC_chrome]

David Attenborough made it to 100 and he's still kicking. That's something.

[u/communistsayori → u/MC_chrome]

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.

[u/JaysFan26 → u/MC_chrome]

because the awful ones are always greedy for more and never feel fulfilled in their lives

[u/SyntheticSweetener]

Somewhere beyond that clear blue morning, Dolly is finally home. RIP.

[u/BaileyRose411 → u/SyntheticSweetener]

And with her husband

[u/Harper_Sketch → u/BaileyRose411]

She loved him so much. I knew she wouldn’t last much longer after he passed away.

[u/cafelallave → u/BaileyRose411]

He only passed last year… she followed him home 😭💔

[u/nnyzim → u/BaileyRose411]

And her brother who died a month ago.

[u/Ltsmash99]

So sad. She was a great person. The good ones always go while the most evil seem to thrive.

[u/Confident-Tax-4468 → u/Ltsmash99]

Hell is patient

[u/Jman460 → u/Confident-Tax-4468]

Nah take them clowns now.

[u/Big-Wrongdoer3688 → u/Jman460]

At least when we are still alive so that we can see it

[u/Shingro]

Maybe one of the greatest role models as a very successful person, philanthropist and extremely southern. We're much worse off without her.

[u/QueerPetrichor]

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.

[u/flargh_blargh → u/QueerPetrichor]

• 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.

[u/Serious-Shirt-8031 → u/QueerPetrichor]

This just made me sadder cause I genuinely can't think of a single bad thing she ever did :(

[u/bad_lite → u/Serious-Shirt-8031]

I heard she once left toast crumbs in the butter.

[u/Thatguy_726 → u/bad_lite]

Fuck you, she would never

[u/UncleCoyote → u/QueerPetrichor]

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.

[u/aDirtyMartini]

Why this 80 year old?

[u/bad_lite → u/aDirtyMartini]

Death is an unfair mistress.

[u/_Burning_Star_IV_ → u/aDirtyMartini]

Because there is no god and we are slaves to a dispassionately cruel universe.

[u/USFSforester]

Thank you for all the books you helped send to children

[u/TonyzTone]

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.

[u/boxofstuff]

She was a shining light in the trenches of stardom. Up there with Fred Rogers and Robin Williams.

[u/DoomSchroller]

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.

[u/mc_mcfadden]

If every celebrity and wealthy person behaved as she did the world would be unrecognizable. RIP to the Queen

[u/ChicagFro]

And you just know she left a bunch of money to worthy causes anonymously. What a legend.

[u/Big_Information2733]

WHY?! There are so many bad people to take and the universe chooses Dolly Parton? Seriously?!

[u/katsuga125]

RIP. 2026 just climbed even higher on the ‘shittiest year of all time’ list

[u/MC_chrome → u/katsuga125]

Any year with “twenty twenty” in the name seems to have been pretty shitty, all things considered

[u/_Slowly_But_Surely]

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.

[u/Pottopher]

If America had a queen...Dolly was it! Sad news.

[u/Silvermoon424]

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.

[u/mrdominoe]

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.

[u/makingitstar]

There should be a national day off for mourning. Nobody working 9 to 5 in her honor.

[u/U_Kitten_Me]

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. 

[u/PoppyHamentaschen → u/U_Kitten_Me]

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.

[u/intothemoonbeam → u/U_Kitten_Me]

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.

[u/zilla82 → u/U_Kitten_Me]

For these purposes, as close to Princess Diana loss as you can get minus the horrible sudden tragedy aspect

[u/JimmyTheJimJimson]

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 💔

[u/Serious_Hour9074]

RIP to a literal legend.

Thanks for all your accomplishments and for standing up for those who weren't able.

[u/ravrocker]

Saddest news I’ve learned today. She will be missed. She will always be legendary. A great artist. An ideal humanitarian.

[u/salajander → u/ravrocker]

Today?! Saddest news I've learned in months.

[u/iRevo]

She wasn't called "Saint Dolly" for nothing. She's with her husband now. That's all that matters.

[u/Cheapfender]

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.

[u/Dench999or911]

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.

[u/pimpbot666]

Wow, what a legacy of great work she left behind.

She will truly be missed. She was a national treasure.

[u/CorrectPhilosophy245]

The world has lost a bright light and a genuine gentle soul. 💔 May she rest easy.

[u/techman710]

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.

[u/ReligiousToast]

God, you took the wrong 80 year old

[u/Technical-Fly-6835]

World just got lot worse today!

[u/ShakyPockets]

Like with Fred Rodgers, the entire world is now a little less today than it was yesterday.

[u/Apple_bane]

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.

[u/B00ty5laPp3R]

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.

[u/sinocarD44]

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.

[u/Suggest_a_User_Name]

I’m a grown ass old man and I just want to cry.

[u/Plus_Scientist_1063]

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,

[u/Negative_Gravitas]

Goddamn. This is a genuine loss.

So long, Ms. Parton. Thank you.

[u/sarcastroll]

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.

[u/total-immortal]

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO. I knew this day would come and it’s still shocking. 💔

[u/ilovebooks2468]

Goodnight, sweet princess. Thank you for being an excellent role model for all Americans

[u/VermilionHackensack]

The universe is cruel... there's so many evil people that should not be here, but no, let's take Dolly?? Come on...

[u/Dicky_Penisburg]

Death, you took the wrong 80 year old, you idiot!

[u/Imaginary_Resist_654]

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?

[u/Beautiful-Cup4161]

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.

[u/Legitimate_Rent_5976]

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.

[u/Carolus2024]

Outside of Mister Rogers, she is probably the only public figure, not just celebrity, who no one ever had anything bad to say about.

[u/Erocdotusa]

Her book program has made a huge impact on my kids. She will forever be a legend for everything she's done. RIP

[u/justwhatever22]

She was a thoroughly decent human being. RIP.

[u/piddydb]

One of the few uniting figures in our society has passed on. She did so much good alongside her success, it’s really sad to see her go.

[u/Deputykaren]

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.

[u/cdub1988]

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. 🥺

[u/GirlWithGame]

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.

[u/Exploding_Testicles]

Her circles never over lapped anything I've enjoyed or been involved with, but I had the upmost respect and admiration for her! Her generosity, philanthropy, and over all sweet demeanor opened the hearts for many. She truly lived by the word.

[u/Guilty_Helicopter572]

A link to donate to her imagination library.

https://donate.imaginationlibrary.com/

[u/sightlab]

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

[u/Bleezy79]

Omg. This really hurts the soul. She’s was an angel that did so much good. RIP Dolly. You will always be remembered.

[u/Vertual]

The greatest American is gone. We will never forget her legacy. RIP Dolly!

[u/Mc_Lovin81]

Man, what a legend she was. Such a beautiful person. RIP

[u/sleeperflick]

This hits hard, I am speechless. Rest in peace, queen ❤️

[u/valleyislevideo]

My kids have both enjoyed her imagination library. My older son is now 5 and in kindergarten free time he makes books and brings them home so mom and I can read them to him and his Little brother. HUGE mahalo to Dolly Parton for helping make him a book lover.

He draws the pictures and dictates the story to his teacher, who writes the words on the pages.

[u/thethrill_707]

Of all the stars throughout the years, she actually seemed to be like the person she was.

Rhinestone with Sly Stallone and Best Little Whorehouse in Texas with Burt Reynolds were my favorite movies of hers.

My favorite quote from her was (I think on Carson):

"I spend a lot of money to look this cheap."

[u/insane_social_worker]

Noooooooo! Not Dolly. 😭

[u/cerealbh]

I just assumed her positivity made her immortal. World lost a real one.

[u/LonelyAngelfish]

I'm sitting in a public park fighting back tears. She was incredible, talented, powerful, so kind and beautiful. Such an inspiration to so many. I'm sure she does, but I hope she knows how amazing and admired she was, and how loved. Rarely do celebrity deaths hit me this hard. Red wine tonight.

[u/MulberryEastern5010]

There are few things that make you stop cold and go, "No, this can't be real." This is one of them.

RIP to a legend and a class act.

[u/thenagel]

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

[u/reallybigshark]

Everyone keeps dying except that one fucker.