Readers Worldwide Mourn Dolly Parton at 80, Citing Her Kindness, Voice and Philanthropy
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Aug 27
Readers Worldwide Mourn Dolly Parton at 80, Citing Her Kindness, Voice and Philanthropy
3 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Aug 27
Summary
Tributes from Tennessee, London, California, Australia and beyond cast Dolly Parton’s death at 80 as a personal loss, with readers describing shock, grief and the feeling that “the world still needed Dolly.”
First-hand memories centered on her generosity and presence: one former CMA volunteer recalled 20 unhurried minutes of attention in the late 1970s, while a former RCA publicist said Parton later surprised her with a pair of boots.
Others pointed to the force of her artistry, including an actor who worked on her 1987 TV series and said her a cappella singing produced the most beautiful tone he had ever heard.
Her wider legacy ran through the tributes as well, from support for women, Black and LGBTQIA people to HIV/Aids treatment, Moderna vaccine funding and the Imagination Library, which sends one book a month to children.