Pittsburgh remembers Dolly Parton’s life, legacy and impact on community
PITTSBURGH —
Pittsburgh is remembering the life and legacy of country superstar Dolly Parton, who died at the age of 80.
Parton died peacefully Tuesday in Nashville, Tennessee, her publicist said in a statement. The statement is attributed to her nephew Bryan Seaver.
Following the news of her passing, Pittsburgh’s Action News 4 sat down with former Y-108 Program Director Stoney Richards, who spoke about his interactions with Parton, whom he interviewed on several occasions during his radio career.
“She had the ability not only in an interview, but when she was on stage, and when she was doing her songs, ‘9 to 5,’ she had the ability to just stare at the audience and, without saying a word, bring them to her. That’s the heart and soul of country music.”
Richards continued, saying, “She was always ready to go. She was never anybody who was surrounded by a lot of helpers. She was true to her heart. I never got the feeling that she was putting on an act. You felt like you were talking to your friendly neighbor next door. I feel like she was like that with everybody.”
Watch video with Richards in the playfinder above
City of Pittsburgh, Kennywood owners on Parton’s passing
The city of Pittsburgh later issued a statement following the announcement, saying, “Dolly Parton has left an incredible legacy across the world for her music, her philanthropy, and the Dolly Parton Imagination Library.”
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Dolly Parton has left an incredible legacy across the world for her music, philanthropy & the Imagination Library.
Thanks to her generosity & light, 306,352 free books have been delivered to families across Pittsburgh. We honor her lasting impact throughout the community. pic.twitter.com/bnckknQ8kg
— City of Pittsburgh (@Pittsburgh) August 25, 2026
Officials continued, saying, “Thanks to her generosity and light, 306,352 free books have been delivered to families across Pittsburgh. We honor her lasting impact throughout the community.”
Herschend, which owns Dollywood and acquired Palace Entertainment’s U.S. theme parks, including Kennywood, Sandcastle and Idlewild, called Parton a “once-in-a-generation partner,” saying her humor, vision and talent left a deep mark.
“When our family began working with Dolly in the 1980s, it became clear early on that we shared more than a vision—we shared a foundation of faith, humility, and a belief that business should serve a greater purpose,” Chairman Chris Herschend said in a statement. “Dolly brought heart and conviction into every part of the work, and her presence made it better—more joyful, more meaningful, more grounded in love. She shaped our story in lasting ways, and we will always treasure the memories we helped make together.”
Parton’s life and legacy
Parton was born Jan. 19, 1946, in Locust Ridge, Tennessee, to parents Robert Lee Parton, a farmer, and Avie Lee Parton, to whom Parton attributed her musical abilities.
Dolly was the fourth of 12 children.
She married Carl Dean in May 1966, and the couple was together until his death on March 3, 2025. She is survived by six of her 11 siblings: Willadeene, Robert Jr., Stella, Cassie, Freida and Rachel.
The singer started her career with folk-influenced songs shaped by her upbringing in humble mountain surroundings and reflecting her family’s Christian background.
Parton went on to write classics such as “Coat of Many Colors,” “I Will Always Love You” and “Jolene,” among others. She has sold more than 100 million albums worldwide. She received 10 Grammy Awards and a Lifetime Achievement Award.
Along with her music, she opened up her Dollywood theme park in East Tennessee, a major economic driver in Appalachia that draws tourists from around the country, and established the Dollywood Foundation.
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