Country star Dolly Parton dies at 80

NPR | By Jewly Hight,

Michel Martin

Published August 26, 2026 at 4:46 AM EDT

Dolly Parton, who died on Tuesday at age 80, became a star by poking fun at her own image. She came to be one of the most universally beloved figures in American culture.

Jewly Hight

NPR Music contributor.

See stories by Jewly Hight

Michel Martin

Michel Martin is a host of Morning Edition.

See stories by Michel Martin

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