Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
The world is mourning the loss of country music legend Dolly Parton, who died at age 80 after a brief battle with cancer. Her publicist confirmed her death Tuesday. AP News
The fourth of 12 children born in the mountains of Tennessee, Parton rose from a two-room cabin in East Tennessee to become an international music icon, philanthropist and businesswoman. She also founded her own theme park, Dollywood.
Here on the Central Coast, the loss was felt as the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors took a moment to commemorate Parton’s life before adjourning Tuesday’s meeting.
Supervisor Monica Martinez adjourned the meeting in Parton’s memory.
“Dolly Parton was far more than a beloved musician and cultural icon,” Martinez said. “She brought joy to generations while using her success to expand opportunity for others, especially children.”
Martinez also highlighted Parton’s Imagination Library, which has placed books directly into the hands of millions of young children, including children in Santa Cruz County through the local First 5 program.
“She showed that extraordinary talent could be paired with generosity, humility, humor and an unwavering sense of self,” Martinez said. “May we all live a little more like Dolly, leading with generosity and acceptance of all people, staying true to ourselves and never being afraid to add a few rhinestones along the way.”
Martinez ended by saying, “Our hearts are with her family, her loved ones and the countless people who are touched by her life.”
The world is mourning the loss of country music legend Dolly Parton, who died at age 80 after a brief battle with cancer. Her publicist confirmed her death Tuesday. AP News
The fourth of 12 children born in the mountains of Tennessee, Parton rose from a two-room cabin in East Tennessee to become an international music icon, philanthropist and businesswoman. She also founded her own theme park, Dollywood.
Here on the Central Coast, the loss was felt as the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors took a moment to commemorate Parton’s life before adjourning Tuesday’s meeting.
Supervisor Monica Martinez adjourned the meeting in Parton’s memory.
“Dolly Parton was far more than a beloved musician and cultural icon,” Martinez said. “She brought joy to generations while using her success to expand opportunity for others, especially children.”
Martinez also highlighted Parton’s Imagination Library, which has placed books directly into the hands of millions of young children, including children in Santa Cruz County through the local First 5 program.
“She showed that extraordinary talent could be paired with generosity, humility, humor and an unwavering sense of self,” Martinez said. “May we all live a little more like Dolly, leading with generosity and acceptance of all people, staying true to ourselves and never being afraid to add a few rhinestones along the way.”
Martinez ended by saying, “Our hearts are with her family, her loved ones and the countless people who are touched by her life.”
