Country music legend Dolly Parton no more

Country music legend Dolly Parton has died at the age of 80 following a brief battle with cancer, her management team confirmed Tuesday (August 25).

Her death drew an outpouring of tributes from some of the world's biggest music and entertainment stars.

Taylor Swift paid tribute to Parton, saying, "I'll think of you each step of the way."

Beyoncé described the country icon as her "north star," while Sir Paul McCartney said it was difficult to imagine a world without her.

Oprah Winfrey also honoured Parton, saying the world was "better because she was here."

Fans gathered outside the Country Music Hall of Fame to lay flowers at Parton's star, while New York's Empire State Building was illuminated in pink in her memory.

Born into a poor farming family, Parton rose from humble beginnings to become one of country music's most influential figures. Over a career spanning six decades, she sold more than 100 million records worldwide and wrote over 3,000 songs, leaving an enduring mark on popular music.

Beyond music, Parton was widely admired for her philanthropy, particularly her decades-long work supporting child literacy and education.

Her death marks the loss of an artist whose music, distinctive personality and humanitarian work reached generations far beyond country music.