Dolly Parton was larger than life—pun very much intended, and one she would have happily laughed at herself. She understood the spectacle of being Dolly, especially in a male-dominated, and often blatantly sexist, entertainment industry. She knew the game and played along on her own terms, frequently turning the tables and reducing grown men to charmingly whimpering little boys. But beneath the hair, humor, and unmistakable persona was a formidable creative force: a songwriter, musician, performer, and actor whose influence reached far beyond country music. Her songs—especially “Jolene”—introduced countless people to the emotional depth, poetry, and storytelling power of country music, particularly through the voice and perspective of a woman.

She also understood that success meant very little if you couldn't use it to make the world a little better. Her generosity became as legendary as her career. After achieving enormous wealth and success, she gave millions to educational causes, helped children learn to read through her Imagination Library, and created Dollywood as a place dedicated, in part, to bringing people together and giving them a little joy. Those are just a few of the many things that made Dolly remarkable. Her talent was extraordinary, her wit was unmatched, but perhaps her greatest legacy was her heart. An enormous talent, a genuinely generous human being, and an absolute original. She will be deeply missed. R.I.P. Dolly Parton.