Christian artists took to social media to mourn after it was announced that legendary singer-songwriter Dolly Parton, whose unmistakable voice, prolific songwriting and larger-than-life personality made her one of the most beloved figures in American music, died at the age of 80.
On Aug. 25, Parton’s nephew, Bryan Seaver, announced her death on behalf of the Parton and Owens family, saying the country music icon “has lived in the light and is in the arms of Jesus.”
“It is an honor, an honor that is mixed with absolute pride and great sadness. But sadness lies with us, not with Dolly. Dolly has lived in the light and is in the arms of Jesus, surely met by Carl, her parents and countless others who have watched her and longed to meet her in the heavens,” he said.
Born in rural Tennessee in 1946 as one of 12 children, Parton began singing as a child in the church where her grandfather was a Pentecostal preacher. She moved to Nashville after graduating from high school and went on to build a career spanning six decades, becoming the best-selling female country music artist of all time, with more than 160 million albums sold worldwide. Her enduring hits include “Jolene,” “9 to 5,” “Coat of Many Colors” and “I Will Always Love You.”
Parton earned 11 Grammy Awards, 10 Country Music Association Awards and seven Academy of Country Music Awards, among numerous other honors. Beyond music, she was known for her acting career and extensive philanthropy, including her Imagination Library literacy program.
Parton frequently spoke publicly about the Christian faith that shaped her life from childhood. In an interview with The Christian Post in 2019, she recalled an older woman telling her when she was young that she was “anointed.” When Parton asked her mother what the word meant, her mother told her, “That means that God has His hand on you; that you may do something special.”
Parton said the encounter gave her a lasting sense of responsibility to use her gifts for God and others.
“I never let go of that,” she told CP. “I always felt responsible to God that I was supposed to be doing something for God. I still feel like that, and I’m still doing it, trying to. Sinning all the way, but trying my best, and asking forgiveness seventy times seven.”
“I really feel like I have a calling. I always felt I had a mission,” Parton said. “I feel like God had told me early in a feeling that I was supposed to go until He told me to stop. Until God says stop, I’ll keep going.”
As news of her death spread, Christian singers and entertainers who worked with, admired and were influenced by Parton remembered her faith and lasting impact.
Here are six reactions from Christian artists mourning Parton’s death.
Leah M. Klett is a reporter for The Christian Post. She can be reached at: [email protected]
Continue reading
