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Her music career took off nearly 60 years ago and tributes to Dolly Parton have come from people of every generation, including Sir Paul McCartney and her recent collaborators Beyonce and Pitbull.
But it was not just her music that led to so many people being big fans of hers. She was a very generous philanthropist, donating millions of books to children, she spoke out against racism and was a huge gay icon.
We talk to broadcaster Bob Harris who has spoken to Dolly Parton many times during her decades-long career about why she meant so much to people from every generation.
Have you got a question for Niall? Email us: why@sky.uk
(c) Sky News 2026: Why Dolly Parton was loved by all ages
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