Tom Jones and Taylor Swift lead celebrity tributes to Dolly Parton after singer dies aged 80: 'Devastated!'

Tom Jones and Taylor Swift lead celebrity tributes to Dolly Parton after singer dies aged 80: 'Devastated!'

Country music icon Dolly Parton has died at the age of 80 after what her family described as "a brief battle with cancer." Her publicist Marcel Pariseau confirmed she passed away at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Centre with loved ones by her side. The specific type of cancer was not revealed. Her nephew Bryan Seaver, who served as her head of security, shared the news on Tuesday evening through an Instagram video, calling it "an honour that is mixed with absolute pride and great sadness." TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say President Donald Trump responded by ordering flags across the United States to be lowered, declaring on Truth Social that "there has never been anyone like her." Iconic American landmarks were bathed in pink light overnight, including New York's Empire State Building, Chicago's Willis Tower, and the Pacific Park Ferris Wheel in Los Angeles. Sir Paul McCartney, who first encountered Ms Parton at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville just before she embarked on her solo career, led the celebrity tributes as he spoke of his disbelief at the news. "She was so bubbly and full of life; it is difficult to take in the news that she has passed," the Beatles legend said. He hailed her as a "magnificent star" whose contributions to music and charitable work were without equal in the country genre. "Her songwriting, her singing and her philanthropy were unrivalled in the world of country music, and it is hard to imagine living in a world without Dolly," Sir Paul added. Sir Elton John, who performed alongside Ms Parton at the 2005 Country Music Association Awards, said he was "shocked and devastated" by her passing, describing her as "a giant of an artist - unique and irreplaceable, with the kindest heart". Taylor Swift, whose own career began in Nashville's country music scene, praised Ms Parton as embodying "true grace and true grit, all in one dazzling person". LATEST DEVELOPMENTS Barry Manilow, 83, forced to cancel another set of gigs after 'push