Parton’s Influence on Indian Cinema

Indian music fans may be surprised to know that one of Dolly’s biggest hits, “Jolene,” found its way into the 1979 Yash Chopra classic Kaala Patthar. The opening choral prelude of “Ek Raasta Hai Zindagi,” composed by Rajesh Roshan and sung by Lata Mangeshkar and Kishore Kumar, samples the tune and chorus of Parton’s 1973 classic.

Asked Rajesh Roshan about the borrowing, he said he was “bullied” into incorporating Parton’s breezy ditty. What a pity!

One-of-a-kind legacy

Born Dolly Rebecca Parton, the Tennessee girl who grew up in a one-room cabin went on to become one of the biggest entertainers in the world. Across a six-decade career, she wrote more than 3,000 songs, sold over 100 million records and won 11 Grammys.

From “Jolene” and “I Will Always Love You” to “9 to 5,” Parton created songs that became cultural landmarks. Remarkably, she wrote “Jolene” and “I Will Always Love You” on the same day.

But Dolly was never just a singer. She conquered Hollywood, starring in 9 to 5 and Steel Magnolias, built the hugely successful Dollywood theme park and became one of the world’s most celebrated philanthropists.

Her Imagination Library literacy programme has sent more than 260 million free books to children worldwide. She also donated $1 million to Vanderbilt University Medical Center, helping support research that contributed to the development of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.

Final health struggles

Parton had previously revealed that she neglected her own health while caring for her husband, Carl Dean, who died in March 2025. In the months before her death, Parton had spoken about several health struggles. Her cancer diagnosis was not publicly known until after her death at 80, when her representatives confirmed that she had battled the disease for a brief period. The type of cancer was not disclosed.

Parton’s unreleased final song sealed away until 2046

The country icon has one last musical surprise waiting in the wings — a song that won’t be heard until 2046. “My Place in History” was recorded by Parton in 2015 and locked away in a “Dream Box” at Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort, with plans to unveil it on January 19, 2046 — her 100th birthday. Parton revealed the unusual time-capsule plan in her 2020 book Dolly Parton, Songteller: My Life in Lyrics.

Who will inherit Parton’s $450 mn fortune?

Parton’s death has raised questions over her estimated $450 million fortune. With no children and her husband having died in 2025, her will has not been made public. Her wealth includes her music catalogue, Dollywood, property and various business ventures.

Parton’s wit and wisdom:

· “The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain.”

· “It costs a lot of money to look this cheap.”

· “I ain’t never gonna be old because I ain’t got time to be old. I can’t stop long enough to grow old.”

· “I’ve got transgender people. I’ve got gays. I’ve got lesbians. I’ve got drunks. I’ve got drug addicts — all within my own family. I know and love them all, and I do not judge.”

· “Dream big dreams; learn everything you can learn; and care for all those who care for you.”

· “I hope that when my time comes, I’ll leave something behind that others can use to lift themselves up.”

· “You are terrific, and remember... I will always love you.”

Tributes pour in

“Very sad to report that Dolly Parton, one of the greatest Country singers, and far beyond, EVER, has just passed away. This is a true loss for millions of people. There has never been anyone like her, and never will. In her honor, I am lowering the American flag throughout the United States for a one week period beginning tonight at 6:00PM. Rest in Peace, Dolly! The World loves you.”— Donald Trump

“A world without Dolly doesn’t feel possible, real, or right. But because of the eternally generous way she spent her time on this earth and the countless lives she changed for the better, her legacy will be an everlasting one. She was truly the gift that kept on giving. Dolly gave us someone to look up to while encouraging us to be who we are as individuals....” — Taylor Swift

“You’re never going anywhere... forever with us... rest in peace Dolly Parton.” — Priyanka chopra

“My Girl Love you forever My Diva.” — Kareena

“Dolly, you were the barometer. The north star. Bold and brilliant. Talented and tenacious. You taught so many lessons on how to be uniquely oneself. I am grateful for your art, your heart, your generosity, your humor, your entrepreneurship. I’m honored that I had the privilege to work with you. I will treasure that forever. ” — Beyoncé

“Today, we lost one of the best songwriters that ever lived. Dolly Parton was an icon… She was constantly kind. So I just want to send a little love to Little Miss Dolly Parton.” — Katy Perry

“Dolly… you were pure light, with a kind heart and a generous spirit. We will now be missing one of the most joyful voices this world has ever known. Thank you for the music, the laughter, and the love you gave us all. ” — Celine Dion

“I’m sorry we never got a chance to meet, but getting this note from Dolly really had a an impact on me. She definitely didn’t have to take the time to do it. Even for a kid who mostly listened to rap music, she was an icon. A superstar in every sense. Rest easy Dolly. And thank you for the kind words.” — Eminem

“The only thing I could say after we first met was ‘she really is an angel walking the earth’ and ‘we look like we could be sisters!’ Your light will be something the world will search forever to find again.” — Sabrina carpenter

“I am deeply saddened by the passing of my friend, Dolly Parton. One of the most extraordinary musical experiences of my life was recording with her. The world is a poorer place without her.”

— Miley Cyrus