RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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Following the death of Dolly Parton on Tuesday (Aug. 25) at the age of 80, those who worked with the country icon and others across the music industry are remembering the singer and songwriter’s impact across her 60-year career.
Parton was named Billboard ’s Top Country Artist of All Time , with the singer having scored 25 No. 1s on Billboard ’s Hot Country Songs chart, the most of any woman, and 49 top 10s on Billboard ’s Country Albums chart. In addition to her success as a songwriter and recording artist, Parton has long been recognized for her business acumen.
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She co-owned Dollywood, a theme park located in her hometown of Pigeon Forge, Tenn., and she also operated the Imagination Library — a program that mails free books to children from birth until they first begin school. She had also been a co-owner of Sandollar Productions alongside her former manager, Sandy Gallin , which produced Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Father of the Bride and Sabrina , among others.
See below for all the reactions. We will update this story as more come through.
Sarah Trahern, CEO, Country Music Association
“At the end of the day, few artists define Country Music better than the one-word, Dolly. Over her decades-long career, I worked with her on a number of programs. She was always the most professional in every setting, often walking off the bus in heels and hair and makeup ready to go, before expected and before the cast and crew. However, along with the music, our biggest loss today is her work as a philanthropist and the genuine difference she has made in people’s lives throughout the world. There will only ever be one Dolly.”
Academy of Country Music
“The Academy is deeply saddened by the passing of Dolly Parton. She leaves behind a legacy that reaches far beyond the stage. Through her unmistakable voice, unforgettable songs, generosity and larger-than-life spirit, she touched generations and made the world a little brighter.
“A member of the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Grand Ole Opry, Dolly was a 14-time ACM Award recipient and three-time host of the ACM Awards. She gave us some of country music’s most enduring songs and moments, and at this year’s ACM Honors, she was honored with the ACM Poet’s Award — a beautiful recognition of the songwriter whose words became a part of so many lives.
“As we look back on these ACM moments, we’re reminded of the incredible mark Dolly left on country music and on all those who grew up with her songs. Her music will live on, carrying her voice and her story forward for generations to come.
“Rest in peace, Dolly.”
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Sony Music Group
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of singer-songwriter, music legend, actress, author, businesswoman and philanthropist Dolly Parton. Every superlative you could apply to her would be accurate.
“Dolly was a monumental talent and trailblazer whose extraordinary artistry touched millions around the globe. For nearly three decades, we were lucky she called our record labels and publishing company home. She made songs that became part of our shared vocabulary and crossed genres and generations.
“Her generosity was as extraordinary as her talent. She created opportunities for others that she herself never had. Dolly showed that an artist’s legacy is measured not only in songs, but in lives changed.
“We send our deepest condolences to her family, friends and fans around the world.
“We will always love you.”
Kyle Young, CEO, Country Music Hall of Fame
“Dolly Parton’s legacy is not celebrity, but humanity. She was a champion of equality and literacy. She was a picture of dignity, even when dressed outrageously. Anyone who seeks to be more like Dolly is on the right track, but they’ll never get to the finish line. She came from poverty to become the most important native of Tennessee. She shared her fortunes for the good of all of us, and shared her soul in every note she sang.”
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Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
“Rest in peace, Dolly Parton 🦋
“Today we honor 2022 Inductee @dollyparton , a groundbreaking singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, performer, actor, and media mogul.
Throughout her illustrious career, she has composed over 3,000 songs, including ‘Jolene,’ ‘I Will Always Love You,’ ‘9 to 5,’ and ‘Coat of Many Colors.’ A passionate philanthropist, Parton has also supported literacy and childhood development through her Dollywood Foundation and Imagination Library.
“During her 2022 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, Dolly Parton performed her iconic 1973 hit ‘Jolene’ with a little help from Rob Halford, Sheryl Crow, Annie Lennox, Pat Benatar, Zac Brown, and many others.”
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Rusty Gaston, CEO, Sony Music Publishing Nashville
“There are icons and there are superstars… and then there’s Dolly Parton. A songwriter without equal, she set the standard for telling the human story through song, capturing life’s truths with honesty, warmth and grace. She wrote from a genuine heart that touched people from the hills of eastern Tennessee to every corner of the globe. Miss Dolly, we will always love you.”
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Dollywood
“With heavy hearts, the Dollywood family mourns the passing of our beloved Dreamer-in-Chief, Dolly Parton. Everyone at Dollywood shares the sorrow of countless people around the world touched by Dolly’s warmth, wisdom and generous spirit.
“Dolly’s heartfelt wish was that Dollywood always remain a place of joy, hope and...
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