# Dolly Parton: why the queen of country was so beloved – The Latest

An episode of [Today in Focus](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/podcast/1440133626), 26 Aug 2026, 15 min.

Audio: https://flex.acast.com/audio.guim.co.uk/2026/08/26-60360-2608dolly.mp3

Tributes have poured in for Dolly Parton, the pioneering country music singer, songwriter and actor, who has died aged 80. Stars including Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, Oprah Winfrey and Paul McCartney have paid tribute to one of the world’s greatest music artists, with many praising her lifelong philanthropy and advocacy for literacy and LGBTQ+ rights. Lucy Hough speaks to Guardian deputy features editor Jenny Stevens – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

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