Dolly Parton's extraordinary musical legacy remembered

As tributes continue to flow from around the world, music correspondents and devoted fans are reflecting on the extraordinary musical legacy of Dolly Parton, whose career spanned more than six decades and redefined the boundaries of country music.

Parton wrote or co-wrote thousands of songs, including some of the most instantly recognisable in popular music history. Her songwriting ability, characterised by its emotional honesty and remarkable melodic instinct, earned her admiration from artists across every genre.

Beyond the songs, her voice — one of the most distinctive timbres in all of popular music — brought her recordings to audiences far beyond the traditional country music fanbase.

From her humble beginnings in rural Tennessee to becoming a global icon, her story is one of extraordinary talent, tireless work ethic and genuine warmth that transcended the music industry.