Josh Parry
LGBT and identity reporter

The phrase "gay icon" gets bandied about a lot now-a-days but Dolly Parton is someone who earned the moniker back when it was much less popular to voice support for the community.

In the early 90s - when stigma around the Aids epidemic was still rife - she specifically included the lyric "some of them are preachers, some of them are gay" in her song Family.

She’s continued to be an outspoken advocate and usually with her famous sense of humour, too.

Over the years she’s spoken out multiple times in support of same-sex marriage across the world.

Whenever she was interviewed about her thoughts on marriage equality she would answer: "Why can't they be as miserable as us heterosexuals in their marriages?," adding "love is love and we have no control over that. I think people should be allowed to [marry]."

Mark Savage
Music correspondent

Image source, Getty Images

Glastonbury has seen its fair share of legends, but little could have prepared the festival for Dolly Parton’s arrival in 2014.

For a start, most performers don’t hold a press conference in a makeshift tent behind the Pyramid Stage. But Dolly did, charming the pants off the British press with her homespun humour.

"My daddy was a farmer, I grew up in East Tennessee and we made our living on a farm, so I thought, 'Well this isn't all that different’,” she laughed. "Mud is mud, wherever you are.”

Later, in front of huge crowd, many dressed just like Dolly, she sang a specially-written song about the festival’s notoriously inclement weather.

"Mud, mud, mud, mud/Up to our bums in all this crud,” she rapped, noting with a cheeky wink that "we won’t let it ruin our high”.

The rest of her 60-minute set was crammed full of hits: Islands in the Stream, Jolene, 9 to 5, Baby I’m Burning, I Will Always Love You and (for some reason) the Benny Hill theme tune. Twice.

"Wow," she exclaimed as the final notes rang out. "What an honour. What a thrill. Thank you so much for being such a great audience."

Noor Nanji
Culture correspondent

Image source, Andrew Putler/Redferns

Let's talk about her fashion - because Dolly was just oh so glamorous. Her style was unapologetically bold.

Think big, bouncy blonde hair, rhinestones, bright colours and shimmer.

From denim jackets to hair accessories, she leant into the country glam look and made it her own.

This went hand in hand with the country star's music, and the themes in her songwriting.

But when asked about her style, she was characteristically self-deprecating.

"I always laugh when I get called a fashion icon," Parton told Vogue in 2023. "I’m more of an eyesore! Only because I overdo it."

Image source, Getty Images

Tributes have also been paid to Dolly Parton by music titans Sir Elton John and Dionne Warwick, as well as former wife of Elvis Presley, Priscilla Presley.

"Shocked and devastated to hear of Dolly's passing," says Sir Elton on Instagram.

He remembers Parton as "a giant of an artist - unique and irreplaceable, with the kindest heart."

Also on Instagram, Dionne Warwick says "I will certainly miss her laughter, jokes and her being. Rest well and in total peace my friend. My heart is heavy."

"After Elvis and I left the courthouse following our divorce, he sang [I Will Always Love You] to me as we walked down the steps together," remembers Priscilla Presley.

"Her music touched all of us, but it was Dolly's warmth, humour and enormous heart that made her truly one of a kind."

Image source, Getty Images

US country music superstar Reba McEntire has paid tribute to her "buddy Dolly".

Here's her full statement following the news of Dolly Parton's death:

"Well, I just got the news that my buddy Dolly passed onto the higher and greater side. Dolly, thank you for all the wonderful things you did for us here on earth.

"Your love, your music and you gave so much with your huge huge heart. There will never ever be another you.

"We will remember and cherish every memory and every note you ever played and sang. Thank you, Lord, for Dolly. She’s gonna have a blast in heaven singing all her favorite songs with all her family and friends who have gone on before her.

"I’ll never forget the first time I met you and I’ll never forget our last conversation. I hold it with love in my heart. I will always love you, Reba."

Noor Nanji
Culture correspondent

One of Dolly Parton’s most impressive qualities was her ability to appeal to fans of all ages.

Her timeless classics, wit, and storytelling that took in her humble beginnings, are all partly to thank for that.

Her film roles also introduced her to a wider audience, as she demonstrated her versatility beyond music. Her championing of children’s literacy also played a key role in broadening her appeal.

In 1999, she launched the Imagination Library, which gave free books to children in Tennessee.

It has since expanded to Australia, the UK, Ireland and Canada, sending out millions of free books every year – and it was all inspired by her own father's illiteracy.

Image source, UPI/Bettmann Archive/Getty Images

On BBC Radio 2, listeners have been sending Jo Whiley their memories of country music legend Dolly Parton, and what she meant to them.

"I cried when I heard the news of her passing, I feel just so emotional," says Lisa from Hampton.

Lisa remembers that "growing up in the north-east, Dolly was just such a beacon of hope.

"She showed that where you came from didn't have to limit where you could go, but she never turned her back on her roots."

Loz in Anglesea says she's "so saddened to hear of Dolly's death. My niece was one of the lucky kids to receive her books when she was younger, and she used to say 'my friend Dolly sent them to me.'"

"Heartbreaking to hear that Dolly is gone", says James in Disbury. "My children loved getting a book in the post each month from 'Auty Dolly' thanks to her Imagination Library. I hope she knew how loved she was."

Regan Morris
Reporting from Los Angeles

The book Farewell to a Beloved American Icon and bouquets of flowers are piling up at Dolly Parton’s star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Fans and media from around the world have gathered at the star on Hollywood Boulevard, paying their respects as passing cars blast Dolly’s greatest hits and a news helicopter hovers above. "It’s like when Michael Jackson died," one fan said.

Chad Michael Morrissette showed up at the star carrying his vinyl copy of Dolly’s All I Can Do album.

He said he was "devastated" to hear Dolly has died and that he started every day "with a cup of ambition" in his kitchen and thought of her.

"I know people remember I’ll always love you and the Whitney Houston version but for me it’s a Dolly Parton version that I will always remember."

Helen Bushby
Culture reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Parton wasn't just a hugely skilled singer-songwriter - she also acted, with some considerable success.

Some of her best-known films include 1980's 9 to 5 - co-starring Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin, about three working women who combine to get their revenge on their sexist boss. Parton wrote Nine to Five, to accompany the film, and it was nominated for an Oscar.

She was also nominated for three Golden Globes for her role in the film, and her song, plus four Grammys.

Her other films included 1982's The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, co-starring Burt Reynolds, about a town sheriff and regular patron of a brothel fights to keep it running when it's targeted by a conservative TV crusader. Parton played the brothel's proprietress, Miss Mona Stangley, who was described as strong, independent and passionate.

In 1989, Parton co-starred in Steel Magnolias with Shirley MacLaine, Olympia Dukakis, Sally Field, Daryl Hannah and Julia Roberts, who was nominated for an Oscar. The film was about a beautician, played by Hannah, who works at a salon in Louisiana, where a group of women share a close bond of friendship, and also loss.

Parton once jokingly said, external: "I’m never going to be a Meryl Streep. But then, she’ll never be a Dolly Parton either. Be true to you!"

Kwasi Gyamfi Asiedu
Live reporter

Image source, Getty Images for The Recording Academy

The world of country music is mourning one of its icons.

"The world feels a lot less sparkly all of a sudden," singer Kacey Musgraves, who performed in a 2019 Grammys celebration of Dolly Parton says. Musgraves frequently performs covers of Dolly Parton's songs.

Keith Urban, who collaborated with Dolly Parton, says he is "heartbroken" by the news. "Honestly... I have no words right now."

Anthony Zurcher
North America correspondent

Image source, Getty Images

We reported earlier that US President Donald Trump said all American flags will be lowered for one week.

By ordering US flags to be flown half-staff for seven days, Donald Trump is providing Dolly Parton with a rare honour.

Per US flag code, only a handful of individuals are specifically designated to receive such a lengthy period of national mourning.

Flags fly half-staff for current and former presidents for 30 days. Sitting vice presidents, current and former Supreme Court chief justices and the speaker of the House of Representatives each receive a 10-day observation.

Members of Congress, by contrast, only receive two days of recognition. The length for others, such as governors, cabinet secretaries and associate Supreme Court justices, varies depending on how long it takes for them to be interred.

As with Parton, presidents can also order half-staff flags for prominent private citizens.

Trump designated four days of mourning after the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk in 2025. Pope John Paul II, Neil Armstrong , Rosa Parks, Billy Graham and Nelson Mandela also received a day or more of recognitions.

A full week of observance is exceedingly unusual, however. The last time that happened was in 1965, when President Lyndon Baines Johnson ordered the flags lowered following the death of Winston Churchill.

A "small, private service will be held for [Dolly Parton's] immediate family", at her request, a post on the country music star's Instagram account says.

"Dolly’s fans and friends from around the world are encouraged to pay tribute to Dolly on social media by tagging @DollyParton, external or by leaving a message at www.dollyparton.com," the post adds.

We'll bring you more of the latest updates shortly.

Image source, Reuters

Parton's fans are converging at the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville, Tennessee, to sign a guest book as part of the museum's exhibition, Dolly Parton: Journey of a Seeker.

The exhibition, which runs through 4 October, focuses on turning points in the singer's life and career, when she "overcame obstacles and ignored naysayers to become one of the most beloved and widely recognised celebrities across the world", the organisation says.

Following news of her death, a frame was placed by the guest book with a message encouraging visitors to share memories and condolences in the book, which will be delivered to the Parton family.

Image source, Reuters

Image source, Reuters

Emma Saunders
Culture reporter

Image source, 2014

In 2014, Glastonbury showcased its Friday and Saturday headliners, Arcade Fire and Metallica.

But who had the biggest crowd that weekend? A certain Dolly Parton in the Sunday legends slot on the famous Pyramid stage.

The country star had thousands of fans chanting her name as she sang some of her immense back catalogue, including 9 to 5, Jolene and Coat of Many Colors.

Parton told the audience: "I've been waitin' a long time for this."

She wore a white, diamante trouser suit and said: "I'm just glad you came to see me."

Rachel Flynn
Live reporter

Image source, Redferns

Tributes are flooding in mourning the death of Dolly Parton, who has died aged 80.

Pedro Pascal says Parton was "one of one" while fellow actor Seth MacFarlane says when working with her when she guest-starred on TV show The Orville, "her kindness, generosity, and authenticity were evident from moment one".

"The world is a dimmer place today without her," he adds in an Instagram post.

Fashion designer Donatella Versace says: "The world has lost one of the kindest and most generous of souls, the greatest of story tellers and a true legend of music," and Senator Bernie Sanders writes that Parton "was not only a talented musician & songwriter, but a lifelong philanthropist and advocate for literacy, education, LGBTQ+ rights, healthcare and disaster relief."

Raised in poverty in a one-room cabin in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, Dolly Parton was the fourth youngest of 12 children.

Throughout her childhood, she performed on local radio and television, and recorded her first single at 13. After graduating high school, she moved to Nashville and released her first hit single Dumb Blonde.

These early pictures show her rise to become one of the most beloved entertainers in the world - you can see more in this full lookback through Parton's career in pictures.

Image source, Nancy Barr/MediaPunch via Alamy

Image source, Nancy Barr/MediaPunch via Alamy

Image source, Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

Image source, Nancy Barr Brandon/MediaPunch/Shutterstock

Over on BBC Radio 2, Jo Whiley has paid tribute to legendary country music singer Dolly Parton.

Whiley is asking callers to get in touch with their memories of Dolly Parton and what she meant to them.

So far we've heard tracks including Why'd You Come In Here Lookin' Like That and Love Is Like A Butterfly - Whiley is on air until 21:00 BST.

You can listen on BBC Sounds.

Louise Martin
News Editor, Learning & Identity

Image source, Pool/Getty Images

Dolly Parton’s passion for literacy is one of her strongest legacies.

Inspired by her father’s illiteracy, she created the Imagination Library which offered a free book a month to children all around the globe.

The scheme was started in her home state of Tennessee in 1995, and the initiative launched in the UK in 2007.

Local partners, including councils and community hubs can sign up, and children will receive a book chosen by a central committee.

At the end of 2025, the Dollywood Foundation said more than six million books had been gifted in the UK over 18 years.