Dolly Parton

The “Queen of Country” music died yesterday at age 80.

The singer’s nephew made the announcement on Instagram (hear his whole statement), and a spokesman later said she died after “a brief battle with cancer.” Her death comes after canceling her Las Vegas residency in May and announcing on August 21 that she was dealing with “health issues.”

The Tennessee icon went from rags to one of the best-selling female artists of all time, writing hits like “Jolene” and “I Will Always Love You” and selling 100M+ records over her decades-long career. She won 11 Grammys, was nominated for six Golden Globes, and was inducted into both the Country Music and Rock and Roll Halls of Fame. Watch her last live performance here.

Outside her 9-to-5, Parton was a celebrated philanthropist known for her Imagination Library, which has distributed more than 300 million books to children.

(We’re covering Dolly’s life and legacy tomorrow at a 7th-grade reading level with biblical reflection and action steps in Decaf: The Pour Over for Families. Sign up free in just one click to get it in your inbox.)

PRAY WITH US
Everlasting God, today we crash up against the brevity and fragility of human life. The creatures You have made are a passing shadow, a withering grass, a vanishing mist. Father of Mercies, shower the grieving with abundant comfort as they mourn the loss of Dolly Parton. Shield loved ones from the prodding of the media; penetrate their sorrow with the hope of Christ. And deliver peace to those who loved Dolly from afar, finding joy in her work and treasuring her good contribution to this moment in history.

You, O Lord, measure the moments of Your creatures from the smallest to the greatest. Teach me to number my days and keep their end ever before me, that I might learn to fear You and gain wisdom for whatever lifespan You give. Amen.
(Listen to the full prayer here.)