Dolly came from ‘very humble beginnings:’ Lee Greenwood
Country music star Lee Greenwood remembers Dolly Parton’s life, legacy and lasting impact following her death. He reflects on her ‘humble beginnings’, her rise to stardom and the tributes honoring the country music icon on ‘America Reports.’
Tributes, condolences and more are pouring in after news of country music legend Dolly Parton’s death at 80 surfaced on Tuesday.
Among those was Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning, who shared a connection with Parton given their ties to Tennessee.
“There was only one Dolly and I feel lucky to have known her,” Manning, who played his college football at the University of Tennessee, wrote in an Instagram post walking alongside Parton at a Vols game.
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Dolly Parton is escorted by former Tennessee Volunteer Peyton Manning before signing “Rocky Top” between the first and second quarters at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn., on Nov. 18, 2023. (Getty Images)
“We’ll miss you, Dolly. Tennessee won’t be the same without her!”
The picture that Manning posted was one of many iconic performances for Parton, but this one was exceptionally good by the East Tennessee native. She performed the Vols’ signature “Rocky Top” song after the first quarter on Nov. 18, 2023.
STEVE DOOCY: THE DOLLY PARTON I SAW WHEN THE CAMERAS STOPPED ROLLING
Parton even said that she could barely hear herself during her performance because the stadium was so loud. But Parton’s moments in sports went well beyond appearances at Vols games.
Just days after her performance in Knoxville, Parton was in Dallas at AT&T Stadium for a 2023 Thanksgiving performance, wearing a custom bedazzled Cowboys cheerleader outfit for the halftime show. She was 77 years old at the time, and rave reviews poured in about her country music ensemble, which included hits like “Jolene,” “9 to 5,” and even tossing in Queen’s iconic “We Are The Champions” track.
“Well at my age, if I can pull it off, it’s going to be good,” Parton told USA TODAY about the performance, which she admitted being nervous for. “And if I don’t, I can just pass it off as an old woman doing a stupid thing. I’ve always said my desire to do something is greater than my fear of it.”
Parton died peacefully in Nashville, Tennessee, on Tuesday, according to a press release obtained by Digital.
Dolly Parton walks off the field with Peyton Manning during the college football game between the Georgia Bulldogs and the Tennessee Volunteers on Nov. 18, 2023, at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. (Icon Sportswire)
Her nephew, Brin Seaver, also revealed the news in an Instagram video, which comes after Parton spent months battling an unknown health issue.
Parton was much more than a country music artist, as she was known for also being an actress, a philanthropist, a businesswoman and humanitarian.
During her illustrious life and career, Parton tallied 11 Grammy Awards, three Emmy Awards, and the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, while also being nominated for six Golden Globe Awards, a Tony Award and two Academy Awards.
Parton was also married to Carl Dean for nearly 60 years, with their relationship mostly remaining outside the public eye. Dean passed away in March 2025.
ARLINGTON, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 23: Dolly Parton performs at halftime during the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Washington Commanders at AT&T Stadium on November 23, 2023 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Brandon Sloter/Image Of Sport/Getty Images)
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At Parton’s request, a small, private service will be held for immediate family.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.
’ Christian Dugan Ramirez contributed to this report.
