Dolly Parton, Entertainer and Philanthropist, Dies

Why it matters locally: The passing of Dolly Parton, a Tennessee native and icon, deeply impacts the state given her extensive philanthropic work, including the Imagination Library, which has provided millions of books to children across Tennessee, and her significant contributions to local tourism and culture.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Dolly Parton, whose career encompassed music, film, and philanthropic work, has died. She built a legacy that reached across entertainment, healthcare, and education. Amna Nawaz reported on Parton's life and various endeavors. Parton's artistic contributions included a career in music and appearances in movies. She also engaged in healthcare initiatives and charitable giving. Parton established programs focused on literacy. Her philanthropic efforts extended to multiple areas.