US unites in mourning of country star Dolly Parton

AFP, SEVIERVILLE, Tennessee Add TT as Preferred Source Flags across the US yesterday flew at half-staff, as grieving fans gathered in the late country music star Dolly Parton’s hometown in Tennessee and the nation paid tribute to the beloved cultural icon.Parton, who rose from grinding poverty to become a rhinestone-studded entertainment giant with hits like Jolene and 9 to 5, has died at 80, her family announced on Tuesday.Parton was more than a singer — she wrote 3,000 songs, starred in major Hollywood films and donated millions to charities in her home state and beyond. People mourn late US singer-songwriter Dolly Parton before her bronze statue in downtown Sevierville, Tennessee, on Tuesday. Photo: AFP Parton died after a brief battle with cancer, her third cousin Brent Allen confirmed