Dolly's Legacy, and How the Arts Inspire Change

Global icon and humanitarian, Dolly Parton, known to the world as a beloved singer, songwriter, philanthropist, actress, playwright, and author died peacefully today in Nashville, Tennessee. She was 80 years old.

Dolly is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 59 years… pic.twitter.com/sBdu2Ssof9

— Dolly Parton (@DollyParton) August 25, 2026

Despite being born in Willie Nelson’s Texas, and spending most of my life there, I have never been much of a country music fan. But I liked Dolly.

Maybe it was her big hair or sassy attitude. Whatever it was, she’s had my attention since I was a kid. I join millions of fans keeping her music on repeat this week as the world mourns her death at the age of 80.

Dolly Parton passed away on Tuesday, August 25. Her representative told the media that the Tennessee native’s death comes after a "brief battle with cancer." Concern about the music legend’s health had been making the headlines for months. But when the sad news broke, it was still a shock. Tributes came from far and wide, including from Taylor Swift and Sir Paul McCartney. President Trump also ordered flags lowered at half-staff, a rare honor for an entertainer.

In a career spanning nearly 60 years, Parton’s music was timeless, including hits like Jolene, Coat of Many Colors, and her most successful song, I Will Always Love You, famously covered by Whitney Houston. She has reportedly written over 3,000 songs, won 10 Grammys, and influenced generations of artists, from Kacey Musgraves, to Sabrina Carpenter, Beyoncé, and countless others.

Parton shined on screen, too, starring in popular movies like 9 to 5, Steel Magnolias, and The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas.

She was also a successful businesswoman. Forbes reports her empire is valued at about $450 million.

However, Parton’s biggest impact may be her incredible philanthropy. Parton supported multiple causes both big and small, including a reading initiative for young children and her contribution of $1 million for the Moderna COVID vaccine.

Parton’s talent and charity work inspired the world. Over its 20 years, the Pulitzer Center has supported reporting that shows how music and the other arts can bring healing and change. For example:

• In “Facing Renewed Scrutiny, Afghans in the U.S. Struggle With Uncertainty Once Again,” Claire Rudinsky tells the story of a painter named Hasina, who uses her artwork to cope with immigration struggles. 
• For The New York Times, Kwasi Gyamfi Asiedu reports on Ghana’s Maxine Angel Opoku, a transgender performer using music to oppose a proposed law that would make it illegal to identify as gay, transgender or queer. 
• As shown in “No Place Like Home,” the arts are thriving in rural Minnesota, bucking a national trend that favors urban arts hubs. Emma Halman reports. 
• In “Older New Yorkers Dance Against Isolation as Federal Funding Cuts Loom,” by Claudia Rosel and Nicola Sitch, a dance nonprofit provides community for seniors facing isolation.
• A young vibraphonist battling mental illness is on a quest to make the most of his musical gift in the 2023 documentary Sparni, by Ania Gruszczyńska and Nathan Siegelaub. 

Parton’s funeral will be private, the Daily Mail says. However, fans’ and performers’ tributes are sure to last weeks, or even months. Parton’s legacy of music and giving will remain embedded in American culture.

You can see more inspiring, Pulitzer Center-supported human interest stories by clicking here.