Across her six-decade career, Dolly Parton, who died on Tuesday at age 80, was many things: a cultural icon; a Queen of Country turned multi-instrumental, cross-genre musician; a film and TV star; an entertainer; a businesswoman; a philanthropist; and, first and foremost, a songwriter.
The fourth of 12 children, born in a one-room home on a riverbank in rural Tennessee, Parton memorialized her meager beginnings in enduring hits like “Coat of Many Colors.” Throughout her life she would come back to those roots and the lessons she learned — about generosity and faith, hard work and joy — as a moral compass and a source of inspiration.
She seemed to arrive fully formed and already amplified, a blond bombshell soon decked out in spangles and tight outfits, with towering hair, lashes and nails. Maintaining that image was a point of pride for her — and an opening for her many self-deprecating one-liners (à la “it takes a lot of money to look this cheap!”).
She made her mark in the country arenas of Nashville, and then crossed over into the pop world, Hollywood and beyond. As she became a globally beloved figure, Parton transformed with the eras — her favorite creature was the metamorphosing butterfly — but also remained ever true to her own singular artistry and ambitions.
Here are some snapshots from her life and career.
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