A 'heartbreaking' Dolly Parton documentary is currently free to stream on the BBC following the country singer's death.
Tributes have been flooding in after news emerged on Tuesday (August 26) that Dolly died at the age of 80. The announcement was made on her official Instagram account in a video from her nephew Bryan Seaver on behalf of the Parton family.
Statement from Dolly's PR team
A statement from Dolly's PR team said: "Global icon and humanitarian, Dolly Parton, known to the world as a beloved singer, songwriter, philanthropist, actress, playwright, and author died peacefully today in Nashville, Tennessee. She was 80 years old."
Dolly is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 59 years Carl Thomas Dean (1942 – 2025), her mother Avie Lee Caroline Owens (1923 – 2003), and father, Robert Lee Parton, Sr. (1921 – 2000).
"A rhinestone life that shone bright enough for the world to see, Dolly will forever stand as an inspiration not only through her timeless music and prolific songwriting, but also her wit, warmth, and kindness that made us all feel like family. Dolly Parton's legacy is one of love, compassion, and resilience."
It continued: "With a seven-decade career, she inspired multiple generations of artists and fans with her music and an unwavering commitment to making the world a better place. Her songs will continue to resonate with people of all ages, and her philanthropic work will have a lasting impact."
At Dolly's request, a small, private service will be held for immediate family. Dolly's fans and friends from around the world are encouraged to pay tribute to Dolly on social media by tagging @DollyParton or by leaving a message at www.dollyparton.com. In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations to be made to Dolly Parton's Imagination Library at www.imaginationlibrary.com.
Documentary on BBC iPlayer
On top of listening to her countless timeless hits, many of Dolly's fans have been exploring her filmography. She starred in 9 to 5 and The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, both earning her Golden Globe nominations.
While it's a great idea to look at her acting talents, it's hard to look past a documentary about all of her accomplishments. Thankfully, the BBC iPlayer has one that dives into the ins and outs of her career.
Released in 2019, Dolly Parton: Here I Am is a biographical documentary film, directed by Francis Whately. Francis is also known for his work on features about David Bowie, Hillary Clinton and Judi Dench.
Its synopsis reads: "Dolly Parton leads a moving, musical journey in this documentary that details the people and places who have helped shape her iconic career."
On top of having Dolly talking about her life, the 90 minute features contributions from Kylie Minogue, Mac Davis, Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, Jerry Douglas, Linda Perry and Kent Wells.
Dolly says at one point of the film: "I don't ever want to get myself pigeonholed where people think I cannot do anything but one thing or where they put me in a place to where I'm not allowed to. I won't allow that to happen either 'cause I love being able to express myself any way I feel like it."
Fan tributes
In the hours since Dolly's death was announced, many of her fans have taken to the film review site Letterboxd to share why it struck an emotional chord with them.
@leezyinc said: "I may not have embraced her music as deeply as others, but I've always fully appreciated her presence in our lives. In so many ways, she operated like a mother figure to us all, some of us needed that more than others, but you get the picture. Today is a sad day, but she lived a long, incredible life. Her legacy as a true music icon and a remarkable human being to herself and to many others will live on forever."
@vay wrote: "I'm not one to get very emotional over a death of someone i didn't know, but, as someone who grew up in the south, dolly was talked just as much as jesus! She's very special to me. I GREW UP ON HER. rip her beautiful soul. She has done so much for everyone."
@tonyh commented: "There will never be another like her. A genius songwriter, musician and an incredible human. I love you Dolly." @layla added: "She was so freaking amazing, her marriage with her husband was the cutest thing ever, her music is incredible. Absolute icon, we'll always love her (what a song). what an amazing woman she was."
