How America celebrated and mourned Dolly Parton, in Nashville and beyond
Country music icon Dolly Parton has passed away at age 80, prompting national tributes and plans to rename Nashville's airport in her honor. The news highlights her significant cultural impact, including her philanthropic work and musical legacy.
Why it matters
Parton's death marks the loss of a major cultural figure whose influence spanned music, philanthropy, and public life, leading to widespread national mourning.
August 29, 2026 5:00 AM | Updated: August 29, 2026 2:05 PM
Dolly Parton performs onstage during MusiCares Person of the Year honoring Dolly Parton at Los Angeles Convention Center on February 8, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. / Getty Images The great Dolly Parton died earlier this week and tributes have poured in from across the country.
There are murals dedicated in her honor and the Empire State Building lit up in pink in remembrance of Parton. Fans are mourning the loss of a country music icon who not only changed the musical landscape but gave back to communities with her Imagination Library program and donations to develop the Moderna COVID vaccine.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Fresh Air with Terry Gross & Tonya Mosley (@nprfreshair)
Nashville's airport to become Dolly Parton International with Gov. Lee support
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