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Country music fans from Kenya to Nigeria say they relate to Dolly Parton’s stories of hardship and resilience.

NPR's Ailsa Chang speaks with Jeff Conyers, president and vice chair of the Dollywood Foundation, about Dolly Parton's philanthropy, including the Imagination Library.

In Australia, the queen of country music, Dolly Parton, is being remembered for her work in advancing children's literacy, particularly in Indigenous communities.

Since Dolly Partons' death, many in Nashville, where she lived for years, have praised her as an example of how to live a Christian life. One church even held a communion service in Dolly's honor.

The great Dolly Parton died earlier this week and tributes have poured in from across the country. Fans are mourning the loss of a country music icon who not only changed the musical landscape but gave back to communities with her Imagination Library program and donations to develop the Moderna COVID vaccine.

"I've always believed that a part of my magic, if there was any, was the fact that I look so artificial — but I am so totally real," Parton said in 2001.

Parton, who died at 80 on Tuesday, had charm, depth, beauty, wit and radiant goodness. She was also a songwriter whose work told the story not just of country music but of the country itself.

Dolly Parton's songs traveled far beyond Nashville. Across Africa, musicians embraced her stories of hardship, heartbreak and humble beginnings — and made them their own.

NPR's Michel Martin remembers Dolly Parton with longtime country music journalist Tom Roland, who co-authored Parton's photographic memoir, "Star of the Show: My Life on Stage."

Dolly Parton, one of the most beloved entertainers in popular culture, has died. A country music singer, songwriter, actor and philanthropist, Parton's albums sold more than 100 million copies.

The late superstar Dolly Parton had an incredible legacy in American culture. That was even true from a Black American viewpoint. The Black Wall Street Times' Nehemiah Frank describes Parton's impact.

Dolly Parton's Imagination Library has provided more than 300 million books to children around the world. Parton wanted to give the gift of reading as a way to honor of her father.