Country legend Dolly Parton died today at 80.
Fans in Atlanta and around the world were shocked and saddened that one of the world’s most popular and beloved multi-talented artists passed away this afternoon. Parton, who had been battling illness recently while continuing to perform, faced a “brief battle with cancer”, according to her publicist.
Parton left her mark in all facets of entertainment, especially music, where she scored hits like “Jolene”, “9-5”, and “Islands In The Stream”, the latter she performed with Kenny Rogers. She wrote another hit song, “I Will Always Love You”(one of more than 3,000 songs she has composed), which became an even bigger hit for Whitney Houston in 1992. According to the Recording Industry Association of America, Parton has sold over 100 million records. She’s scored 25 number one hits on the Billboard country singles charts and 44 top 10 country albums in the same magazine.
She would impact the screen with box office hits like Rhinestone, 9 to 5, and Steel Magnolias. In addition to her philanthropic efforts, she launched her famous Dollywood amusement park, located in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, where she was born and raised.
Parton had fans across all the racial, political, and occupational spectrums, and the media was no exception. Many who took to social media after news of Parton’s death broke not only expressed their grief, but pointed out her eagerness to support causes she believed in, what her music meant to them, and how her talents, generosity, and sage advice over the years helped them.
Here are some of the social media posts from Atlanta media pros posted today about Parton and what she meant to them…
Devastated. What a humanitarian and icon for young women and girls everywhere. We love you Dolly! So many memories of going to Dolly World with my grandparents as a kid. She did so much for so many people. May she rest in peace. 💔
I was born in East Tennessee and I grew up inspired by Dolly’s ability to open doors many women never had. Wow this one hurts.
You ever want the perfect example of how to be a good human when you become rich and famous? Dolly Parton is at the TOP of my list.
She rose from poverty to icon stardom and never once did she not stop to help people along the way.Let’s not forget what Dolly Parton did for the confidence and independence of women. She was a beacon for self confidence and believing that you have a gift that you owe to the world. Her messaging is pivotal for little girls in the way they believe in themselves and talk about themselves ♥️
–Maria Martin, WXIA TV
If you need me, I will apparently be crying at my desk about Dolly Parton all day.
–Jeanna Kelley, The Falcoholic
Dolly Parton helped a LOT of people, especially in Eastern Tennessee. This is a massive loss.
–Mike Conti, WZGC, 929 The Game
Icon in every sense of the word. A beautiful soul whose kindness and love will live on through all those she impacted. Rest easy, Dolly.
–Tori McElhaney, Atlanta Falcons.com
Rest easy, Dolly.
Photo credit: RCA Records
