Some have described her as looking “like an angel,” a phrase that reflects the affection rather than a literal description.
For millions of admirers, Dolly's image has always been associated with light, sparkle, kindness and joy.
A life much bigger than country music
It is impossible to understand the reaction to Dolly's death by looking only at her record sales.
She was far more than a country singer.
Parton became one of the most successful songwriters of her generation, writing songs that crossed musical boundaries and were recorded by artists around the world.
Among her best-known compositions are “Jolene,” “Coat of Many Colors” and “I Will Always Love You.”
Her songs could be heartbreaking, funny, romantic, spiritual or deeply personal.
But perhaps the most remarkable aspect of her career was her ability to transform personal experiences into stories that felt universal.
She grew up in rural Tennessee in a large family with limited financial resources. Her childhood experiences became a recurring source of inspiration for her songwriting.
