DOLLY PARTON DIES AT 80 IN NASHVILLE FOLLOWING CANCER BATTLE

Dolly Parton, the country music legend, has died at the age of 80 in Nashville, Tennessee, following a brief battle with cancer. Julia Roberts, who worked with Parton on the 1989 film Steel Magnolias, paid tribute to her in a statement. Roberts said: "Dolly was a magical and joyous human. I hold knowing her as a treasure in my life. The sun has dimmed today."

Roberts recalled an encounter with Parton during the filming of Steel Magnolias that left a lasting impression. Parton refused to complain about the demanding conditions of filming in extreme summer heat, instead expressing gratitude that she had achieved her childhood dreams of becoming rich and famous. Roberts stated that she took this advice to heart and had "never forgotten it."

Parton's career spanned decades and encompassed multiple disciplines. Her recorded performances included major hits such as Jolene, 9 to 5, Islands in the Stream and Here You Come Again. The BBC broadcast a retrospective of her performances on 22 January 2022, highlighting what it described as her "greatest moments" across music and entertainment.