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MIX 56 CHESHIRE'S BEST MUSIC MIX
Dolly Parton: 1946 – 2026
Remembering Dolly Parton: A Rhinestone Life That Lit the World
MIX56 joins listeners around the globe in mourning the loss of Dolly Parton, the queen of country music and a beloved humanitarian who passed away yesterday at the age of 80.
Her death, confirmed by family and representatives, came after a brief battle with cancer, with tributes pouring in from across the music world and beyond.
A Voice from the Hills
Born on January 19, 1946, in Locust Ridge, Tennessee, Dolly was the fourth of twelve children raised in the severe poverty of the Appalachian mountains.
After graduating high school in 1964, she moved straight to Nashville to chase her dream, gaining national prominence in 1967 as a featured performer on The Porter Wagoner Show before launching her solo career with her debut album Hello, I’m Dolly in 1966.
Her musical legacy is staggering: she wrote over 1,000 songs, scoring massive country and pop crossover hits like Jolene, 9 to 5, and Coat of Many Colors.
She wrote and originally recorded I Will Always Love You in 1973, a track that later became a global mega-hit for Whitney Houston. Her decorated career earned her 11 Grammy Awards and induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
More Than Music: A Life of Giving
Dolly’s impact extended far beyond the stage. She co-founded the Dollywood theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, in 1986, building a major entertainment and media empire that celebrates her music, family, and Smoky Mountain roots.
Perhaps her most enduring gift to the world is the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, founded in 1995, which has gifted more than 332 million free books to children worldwide.
The programme mails a book every month to children from birth until they turn five, with no strings attached—about 60 books per child if they’re signed up from birth.
About 50,000 children in the local area alone receive a book every month, roughly half a million books every year. Following her death, her family asked that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Imagination Library at imaginationlibrary.com
"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."
This Morning on MIX56
On today’s breakfast show, we were honoured to feature heartfelt tributes from two very special guests.
Harry Colley, presenter of our Country Roads show, reflected on Dolly’s career and the massive impact she made on country music, as well as the incredible philanthropy work she did in her lifetime – and how the Dollywood Foundation will continue to support and inspire long after her death.
Harry Colley reflects on the life of Dolly Parton
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Dolly Parton: 1946 – 2026 Ian
Rob Wheeler – British Country Music Assocition Artist of the Year
An emotional Rob Wheeler joined us, still reflecting on the news.
Dolly’s work has been a big inspiration in his own incredible career. He had secretly hoped one day to work with Dolly, alas that will now never be – but he does have some links to the great lady, having recorded some of his own songs in the RCA studios where she laid down classics including Jolene.
Even more fortunately, he has penned songs with Steve Dorff (including a MIX56 listener favourite, Something About Your Eyes). Steve, royalty in the world of country music, has collaborated with Dolly many times.
Rob Wheeler reflects on Dolly Parton
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Dolly Parton: 1946 – 2026 Ian
A Legacy That Lives On
It’s another sad moment in musical history; a milestone moment in our own lifetimes—but what a legacy she leaves.
Her work will continue in her name to inspire future generations. As her nephew Bryan Seaver said in the video announcing her passing, Dolly has “lived in the light and is in the arms of Jesus”.
Harry Colley will be doing his own special tribute on his Country Roads show this coming Sunday—join us then as we continue to celebrate the life and music of a true global icon.
Image Credits
“Dolly Parton BIC concert” by pipilongstockings is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
“Bic Bournemouth Dolly Parton” by pipilongstockings is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
“Dolly Parton BIC concert” by pipilongstockings is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
“Bic Bournemouth Dolly Parton” by pipilongstockings is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
