Dolly Parton Leaves Lasting Legacy, Dies at 80 After Six-Decades of Iconic Performances

Dolly Parton's legacy extends far beyond her incredible music career. A legendary songwriter and performer, she left an indelible mark on American pop culture for six decades.

One of her most enduring connections was with the Disney company, which spanned nearly 40 years and included a starring role in the hit show 'Hannah Montana' as 'Aunt Dolly', Miley Stewart's grandmother. She also performed at Walt Disney World's 15th Birthday Celebration special in 1986 and lent her voice to the character Dolly Gnome in 'Gnomeo & Juliet'.

However, one of the most-discussed projects that never came to fruition was 'My Peoples', an animated feature from Mulan co-director Barry Cook set in 1940s Appalachia. Parton was cast as the voice of Angel, a doll made from a flour scoop who comes to life, but Disney shelved the project in 2003.

Throughout her career, Parton remained fiercely private about her marriage to Carl Dean, whom she met outside a Nashville laundromat and married in 1966. Even as her health declined this year, Parton continued working, telling People just days before her death that 'I've dreamed myself into a corner, and I still have so many things I want to achieve.' Her legacy will live on through Dollywood and the Imagination Library.