SAY IT AINT SO!!! Dolly Parton, one of the most beloved and recognizable figures in music history, has died at the age of 80.
There were reports that Dolly was dealing with health issues, but family members denied the claims. However, her family announced her passing Tuesday, August 25 and music fans all over the world went to social media to share their shock and sadness, me included.
Dolly Parton was more than just a country music legend. She had a career that spanned more than six decades and within that time she became a global superstar, songwriter, actress, businesswoman and philanthropist. And here in El Paso, we have a pretty special connection to Dolly that is worth remembering.
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Read More: Dolly Parton Gives Advice to El Paso, Texas Musicians
Dolly Parton Spoke to KLAQ in 2023. Her Advice Still Matters
Three years ago, KLAQ’s Kevin Vargas had the opportunity to sit down with Dolly Parton for an interview surrounding the release of her book, Behind the Seams: My Life in Rhinestones, as well as her first-ever rock album, Rockstar.
During that conversation, Dolly spoke about how she has done pretty much “all of it” but had yet to do a rock album so in her mind, now was the time!
I’m proud of this album because when they put me in the Rock and Roll hall of fame I thought, well I need to earn that title so I decided, well I’m just gonna go ahead and do a rock album.
Dolly went on to say that her late husband, Carl Thomas Dean, was a huge Rock and Roll fan and that even at her age, there was no reason she couldn’t do a rock album!
“It ranks up there with one of the best things I’ve ever done,” Dolly said.
Getty ImagesGetty ImagesDolly Parton Leaves Behind One Powerful Message for El Paso Musicians
Dolly went on to say that even if the album was not a hit, it was still a success for her because she loved every part of it and she was so happy that she was able to do songs with some of her favorite artists.
She also shared a piece of advice that could apply to just about every musician in El Paso and honestly, anyone chasing a dream anywhere in the world: Be true to yourself.
It sounds simple, but coming from someone who spent more than 60 years building a career by being unapologetically Dolly, the advice hits a little differently.
Getty ImagesGetty ImagesStaying True To Yourself is The Inspiration Behind Dolly’s New Book
Dolly explained that being true to yourself includes the way you present yourself, including the way you dress. Her signature look, big hair, rhinestones, glitter and plenty of sparkle, became part of her identity because she found a style that made her feel good and embraced it completely.
That was the inspiration behind Behind the Seams: My Life in Rhinestones, a book that explores the clothes, costumes and moments that helped create the legendary “Dolly style.”
And that message is especially fitting for El Paso musicians because our city has a music scene filled with artists trying to find their sound, their audience and their place. From rock and metal to country, hip-hop, pop and everything in between, El Paso musicians don’t exactly have to look very far for examples of people carving out their own lane.
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Dolly’s advice is pretty simple: Don’t try to become somebody else just because you think that’s what people want. Find what makes you, YOU and own it!!
During her KLAQ interview, Dolly also talked about making Rockstar, her experience working alongside legendary musicians and whether she thought she might make another rock album. At the time, Rockstar was her 49th studio album and featured an incredible lineup of artists from across the rock world.
Three years later, that interview feels a little more meaningful especially after hearing Dolly’s response to whether or not she would do more rock albums in the future.
I did love doing it, but I did 30 songs. I would have no reason on this earth to do another one. I thought, well I’m gonna leave enough songs behind where they’re gonna have plenty of stuff through the years long after I’m not here.
Dolly Parton may be gone, but her music, her stories, her generosity and her larger-than-life personality aren’t going anywhere!!
And for the musicians of El Paso who are still chasing their own big break, there’s a little piece of Dolly’s wisdom that is worth holding onto:
Be yourself. Find your style. Own it. And don’t be afraid to sparkle a little.
You can read the original KLAQ story, Dolly Parton Gives Advice to El Paso, Texas Musicians, and watch the full interview here:
Remembering Dolly Parton Through The Years
Dolly Parton was more than just a country music legend. She had a career that spanned more than six decades and within that time she became a global superstar, songwriter, actress, businesswoman and philanthropist.
Gallery Credit: Getty Images
Dolly Parton: 80 Years and 80 Unforgettable MomentsDolly Parton‘s best songs, top films, funniest quotes and most admirable charitable works make this list of 80 unforgettable moments.
The country queen turned 80 years old on Jan. 19, 2026. Consider this our birthday card, or a long letter that states all the ways she’s appreciated.
Gallery Credit: Billy Dukes