NewsLIVEDolly Parton, country music icon, dies after brief battle with cancerIn an earlier statement confirming her death, the singer's team says she will be remembered as an "inspiration" and for her "wit, warmth, and kindness".Dolly Parton: The life of an iconic country singerIconic country musician Dolly Parton has died at the age of 80, the singer's team announced on social media.9 hrs agoUS & CanadaMusk's SpaceX to build $100bn launch facility in LouisianaIt will be the firm's biggest site yet and aims to send rockets to space in 2029.2 hrs agoKate Hudson to make How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days sequel, 23 years onHudson and Matthew McConaughey, her co-star from the 2003 rom-com, could be reunited for the sequel.16 hrs agoCultureChinese teens are turning to mind-numbing drugs to 'run away from reality'Students are seeking prescription drugs because they fear failure, a teen tells the BBC.5 hrs agoAsiaCIA chief travels to Moscow for unannounced talks, US media reportsFlight tracking data confirms an American military aircraft travelled to Russia from the US via Latvia on Tuesday.8 hrs agoEuropeCanada announces 'dollar-for-dollar' retaliatory tariffs on US as high as 50%The latest escalation in an ongoing trade war between the US and Canada will see new levies on goods from steel to furniture, fresh tuna and makeup.8 hrs agoUS & CanadaTrump says all mines cleared from Strait of HormuzIran has closed the vital waterway since the beginning of the conflict causing wild fluctuations in oil prices worldwide.6 hrs agoWorldBrain disease in dead NFL players 'higher than previously shown'US judge rejects Ghislaine Maxwell's 'frivolous' appeal against convictionAs Ukraine hits Russia's refineries, Russia targets Ukraine's petrol pumpsNicotine vapes best chance to quit smoking, major review findsChina hits out at 'illegal' new US sanctions on Iran and trading partnersDolly PartonLife of the music legend whose songs touched millionsThe singer, songwriter and actress is known for timeless hits including Jolene and I Will Always Love You.What was behind Dolly Parton's widespread appeal?The BBC's entertainment correspondent Colin Patterson looks at why the singer attracted such a range of fans.How Dolly Parton told her story through six iconic songsA legendary singer-songwriter, her music covered themes around love, loss, female empowerment and spirituality.One of the world's best-loved starsWhat made the country singer so appealing to so many?'We used flour for powder' - Dolly reflects on early life in 1979 BBC interviewThe singer spoke candidly about her childhood in rural Tennessee, her family's poverty, and the determination that helped her rise to international stardom.More to exploreA nosy polar bear and a lucky squirrel: Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2026 shortlistThe polar bear image taken by Audun Rikardsen was among the 'highly commended' entries in this year's competition.4 hrs agoWhy Pride is facing a backlash in the UKBig companies used to go out of their way to support Pride. Now, there's a nervousness in the air, Darren Milby writes4 hrs agoBBC InDepthBeyond China's humanoid robots, a quieter machine revolution is unfoldingThere are more than two million robots working in China's factories - and they are scaling up fast. 1 day agoAsiaHow Canada could hit back to hurt the US economy - and TrumpWhat leverage does Canada, which sells about 70% of its exports to the US, actually have in this spiralling trade dispute?1 day agoUS & CanadaWho does Iran trade with and what could Trump's 'economic D-Day' mean?Iran is no stranger to US sanctions and has developed deep economic ties with several countries. 13 hrs agoBusinessTrump may hope an 'economic onslaught' will pressure Iran - its leaders are betting otherwiseThe US says new sanctions are an "economic D-Day", but Tehran's leaders have survived restrictions before.15 hrs agoMiddle EastChinese teens are turning to mind-numbing drugs to 'run away from reality'Students are seeking prescription drugs because they fear failure, a teen tells the BBC.5 hrs agoAsiaMost watched1Dolly Parton: The life of an iconic country singer2'I'm heartbroken' - Fans react to Dolly Parton's death3Watch: Doug Ford's blunt warning to Trump over Canada tariffs4What was behind Dolly Parton's widespread appeal?5'We used flour for powder' - Dolly reflects on early life in 1979 BBC interviewAlso in newsSwedish military seeks to take over Russian-owned estate near naval base The armed forces request the seizure of the plot near Muskö Naval Base citing threats from Russian drones.12 hrs agoEuropeGermany's Merz warns attackers will 'pay price' after drone incident A drone attack on Leipzig Airport highlights the "very real threat" faced by the country, the German chancellor says.10 hrs agoEuropeTrump envoy calls for Sudan-wide arms embargo as drone attacks escalateA wider arms embargo would require a UN Security Council vote - and Russia and China oppose the move.15 hrs agoAfricaRussian stadium says it won't host Kanye West gigsTwo planned concerts are thrown into doubt, but Russian promoters insist they will go ahead.19 hrs agoCultureEuropean rights court orders Turkey to free imprisoned businessmanPhilanthropist and activist Osman Kavala has spent almost a decade in jail over charges rights groups say are politically motivated.12 hrs agoEuropeMoment tornado tears through southern FranceThe tornado has injured more than 40 people and destroyed homes in villages.1 day agoEuropeTwo unvaccinated people die of measles in Pennsylvania Cases in the US have hit the highest point since the virus was eliminated, as vaccination rates decline. 11 hrs agoUS & CanadaMost read1Elton John, Oprah Winfrey and Paul McCartney lead tributes to Dolly Parton2A nosy polar bear and a lucky squirrel: Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2026 shortlist3CIA chief travels to Moscow for unannounced talks, US media reports4Canada announces 'dollar-for-dollar' retaliatory tariffs on US as high as 50%5How Canada could hit back to hurt the US economy - and Trump6Chinese teens are turning to mind-numbing drugs to 'run away from reality'7Musk's SpaceX to build $100bn launch facility in Louisiana8Trump says all mines cleared from Strait of Hormuz9China hits out at 'illegal' new US sanctions on Iran and trading partners10Dolly Parton: A life in picturesSportO'Neill takes responsibility with nowhere to hide for CelticCeltic manager Martin O'Neill says his team have a "million miles to go" after defeat in Austria.4 hrs agoCelticAlcaraz and Williams thrill in brief but bright US Open mixed doubles showingSerena Williams and Carlos Alcaraz were among the star double-acts in New York as the US Open mixed doubles competition got under way on Tuesday.4 hrs agoTennisLittler's Players Championship hopes dentedLuke Littler loses to Jermaine Wattimena in the quarter-finals of the 27th Players Championship contest of the year.9 hrs agoDartsPGA Tour play-off shake-up a 'big swing' - McIlroyBack-to-back Masters champion Rory McIlroy believes the PGA Tour are giving fans what they want by changing their end-of-season play-offs to matchplay.8 hrs agoGolfMan Utd's midfield spending is done - now for a left-back?After spending £155m on three midfielders, now Manchester United must decide whether to try to buy a left-back12 hrs agoMan UtdLeeds through after back-to-back wins at ForestLeeds United book their place in the third round of the Carabao Cup as wasteful Nottingham Forest show why they need to strengthen their attack before the transfer deadline.Forest agree £50m deal for Chelsea striker DelapNottingham Forest have agreed a fee worth around £50m to sign Chelsea striker Liam Delap.10 hrs agoPremier League
