26/08/2026
We are very sad to hear of the passing of the incomparable Dolly Parton at the age of 80.
For someone who deliberately presented herself to the world in such a wonderfully larger-than-life way, perhaps Dolly’s most admirable quality was just how completely authentic she always seemed to be. Behind the rhinestones, big hair and brilliant sense of humour was an extraordinarily kind, generous and compassionate woman who never forgot where she came from.
Her philanthropy was remarkable. Through initiatives such as the Imagination Library, she put millions of books into the hands of children, while quietly giving enormous support to education, healthcare, disaster relief and countless other causes throughout her life.
And then, of course, there is the music. ❤️🎶
Dolly leaves behind an extraordinary catalogue of songs that have become part of the fabric of country music and popular culture. But perhaps the greatest testament to her talent is that her influence didn't end with her own generation. You can hear and see it in artists who followed her, from her goddaughter Miley Cyrus to a new generation of performers such as Sabrina Carpenter, who collaborated with Dolly only last year.
As a Country Music Festival, we simply couldn't let today pass without remembering a woman who did so much to take country music around the world, while always remaining unmistakably, unapologetically herself.
A phenomenal songwriter. A trailblazer. A philanthropist. A true original.
Thank you for the music, Dolly. 🌸🤠🎶
1946 – 2026 🤍
