Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago

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In her first TODAY Show appearance in 1978, Dolly Parton shared her aspirations in life growing up in the Smoky Mountains. Parton said that while she was grateful for her upbringing in the Smokies, "I just wanted to reach people all over the world, not just in the Smokies. And I just wanted to make as many people happy, and to make myself as happy as I can," before joking, "And make as much money as I can."

Dolly Parton's family announced her death on August 25, 2026. She was 80 years old.

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