SAN ANTONIO – Dolly Parton, the beloved country music icon whose music spanned generations, died Tuesday at 80 years old. Before she became a household name, Parton performed at the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo.
The Associated Press reported Parton — known for hits like “Jolene” and “9 to 5” — died peacefully in Nashville, Tennessee.
In February 1970, Parton performed at the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo with fellow country singer and collaborator Porter Wagoner. In a statement Tuesday, the rodeo remembered her visit to the Alamo City.
Dolly Parton performed at the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo in 1970. (San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo)
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Dolly Parton, whose talent, generosity, and spirit left an extraordinary mark on country music and generations of fans,” the rodeo said. “We were honored to welcome Dolly to the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo in 1970 and are proud to have a small place in her remarkable legacy.”
A program for the 1970 rodeo advertises Parton performing over four days with Wagoner. Photos shared by the rodeo show the two at a reception during their visit.
A program for the 1970 rodeo advertises Dolly Parton performing over four days with Porter Wagoner. (San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo)
By the time of her death, Parton had written hundreds of songs, totaling more than 100 million worldwide sales and more than 1 billion online streams, according to the Associated Press.
She was also known for her extensive philanthropy, starting her education nonprofit, Imagination Library, to send free books to children in Tennessee.
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