Dolly Parton dies aged 80 as tributes paid to country music icon who ‘changed history’

Country singer Dolly Parton has died at the age of 80, and has been welcomed by ‘the arms of Jesus,’ her nephew, Bryan, has confirmed in a tear-jerking statement

Dolly Partonthe rhinestone-clad queen of country whose songs, wit and platinum hair made her one of the most beloved entertainers of all time, has died aged 80.

Her death was on Instagram. “I have imagined the heaviness of this moment but haven’t truly felt it until now,” hesaid. “It is an honour, an honour that is mixed with absolute pride and great sadness.”

Her death comes just four days after she told fans after the death of her husband Carl Dean last year.

She said last Friday: “I am dealing with some health issues that I just didn’t pay attention to when I was watching over Carl. You know, this isn’t the first time I’ve had to manage something like this. Back in the early ’80s, I was down for several months with female issues, and I was struggling with my weight at the time too, so it’s not like I haven’t been through hard times with my health.”