ATLANTA — Tributes continue to pour in Wednesday morning for country music icon, actor and philanthropist Dolly Parton, who died at 80 after a brief battle with cancer.

Parton’s family announced Tuesday that she died peacefully surrounded by loved ones in Nashville.

President Donald Trump ordered American flags to fly at half-staff nationwide following Parton’s death.

Parton built a career spanning decades, but beyond her music and acting career, she was also known for her commitment to giving back, particularly to children and families in need.

LaDonna Ray, director of the Georgia Country Music Hall of Fame in Moultrie, said Parton’s death is a major loss for country music.

“It’s a really sad day for the country music world, we lost an icon,” Ray said.

Ray said she remembers watching Parton perform from an early age.

“I remember when I was growing up watching her on the Porter Wagner show with my grandparents, and she was a big influence on me,” Ray said.

Ray said Parton also helped influence many of the famous country music stars who followed her, including artists from Georgia.

“But I just think people just look up to her, she impacts people’s lives with that music,” Ray said.

Parton is not currently a member of the Georgia Country Music Hall of Fame, but the organization is considering making her an honorary member.

Parton had a special connection to Georgia that dates back nearly 60 years. She and her husband, Carl Dean, were married in a secret ceremony in Ringgold, Georgia, in 1966. Dean died in March 2025.

Her Georgia ties continued throughout her career. Parton filmed major projects in Atlanta and performed in the metro Atlanta area multiple times, including a 2011 concert in Alpharetta as part of her Better Day World Tour.

She also maintained friendships in the Atlanta area, including with longtime friend and former “9 to 5” co-star Jane Fonda.

Parton often thanked Georgians who traveled to support her attractions and businesses in East Tennessee.

Her philanthropic work became one of the most recognizable parts of her legacy. Parton launched the Imagination Library in 1995 to promote childhood literacy and provide free books to young children.

The program has distributed more than 300 million books to children around the world. An estimated one in six U.S. children under the age of 5, including many in Georgia, receive free books through the organization.

Parton was the third-most nominated woman in Grammy history with 55 Grammy nominations.

Last week, Parton announced she was canceling upcoming shows while dealing with ongoing health issues.

Trump shared his reaction to Parton’s death on Truth Social.

“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.”

Parton’s legacy stretched far beyond her music.

Through the Imagination Library and other charitable efforts, she made literacy and helping children central to her work. Her songs became crossover hits that reached generations of fans, while her performances, films and unmistakable personality made her one of the most recognizable entertainers in American culture.