The Congress of Country Music, which operates the Ellis Theater in Philadelphia, Mississippi, issued a statement mourning Dolly Parton after her death Tuesday at age 80, calling her “the brightest sparkle in country music.”
The organization said Parton performed two benefit concerts at the Ellis Theater on Aug. 26, 2023. The shows were held to raise money for Marty Stuart’s project to preserve country music history through a museum, performing arts center and the theater, the statement said.
Parton died in Nashville following what her family and team described as a “brief battle with cancer,” her representatives said. She was best known for hits including “Jolene,” “9 to 5” and “I Will Always Love You.”
Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves ordered flags at all public buildings and grounds to fly at half-staff in her memory, his office said.
Jon Ross Myers is the executive editor and publisher of the Mississippi News Network, Mississippi's largest digital only media company. He can be reached at editor@tippahnews.com
