America lost a little bit of its sparkle today. Dolly Parton, one of the most beloved and unmistakable figures in American music and culture, has passed away at the age of 80. She came from poverty in the mountains of Tennessee and somehow became larger than life without ever seeming to forget where she came from. Singer. Songwriter. Actress. Businesswoman. Philanthropist. And above all, a storyteller whose music crossed generations, genres and just about every boundary imaginable. She gave the world Jolene, 9 to 5, Coat of Many Colors and wrote “I Will Always Love You” a song so powerful it became an American standard twice over. But Dolly’s legacy was bigger than records and awards. Through her Imagination Library, she put books into the hands of millions of children. She built businesses, created jobs, gave away millions and spent a lifetime proving that kindness and success didn’t have to be opposites. Rest easy, Dolly Parton. 1946–2026 🤍 #ChicagoHistory 🕊️