Fans gathered at Dolly Parton's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Tuesday to pay tribute following the news of the country music legend's death. Mourners laid bouquets of flowers, handwritten letters, and lit candles at the site, often breaking into sing-alongs of her well-known songs.
Parton, who died at age 80, received her first star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1984. She was later honored with a second star, making her one of the few performers to receive multiple accolades on the famous stretch.
Her family announced her passing in a video posted to social media. While an official cause of death has not been released, reports indicate Parton was hospitalized with severe autoimmune and kidney complications.
Similar tributes appeared in her home state of Tennessee. In Sevierville, fans congregated at a bronze statue of Parton, while Nashville saw a large display of flowers at her star in Music City Walk of Fame Park. The Country Music Hall of Fame also featured a vase of flowers placed beside her bronze plaque, and flags were lowered to half-staff in her honor.
Born in rural Tennessee in 1946, Parton grew up in humble circumstances with 11 siblings. She began her musical journey at a young age, writing her first song at five, appearing on local radio by ten, and performing at the Grand Ole Opry at thirteen. Her career gained significant momentum with her 1967 singles "Dumb Blonde" and "Something Fishy," and by the early 1970s, hits like "Coat of Many Colors" had solidified her status as a prominent figure in country music.