CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Reaction pouring in across West Virginia with the Tuesday death of of entertainment icon Dolly Parton.
Parton was 80.
Parton visited Charleston on Aug. 9, 2022. “An Evening with Dolly” promoted her Imagination Library program.
She said that night that it’s important to give back to others.
“The things that matter to me. The things where I feel like I can make a difference,” Parton said at the event.
West Virginia will be lowering the flag to half staff beginning tomorrow in honor of Dolly Parton! She was one of a kind and West Virginians truly treasured her.
— Patrick Morrisey (@MorriseyWV) August 25, 2026
Gov. Patrick Morrisey released a statement Tuesday afternoon:
“Dolly Parton was a true American icon whose extraordinary talent, generosity, and compassion touched millions of lives. While the world knew her as a legendary singer, songwriter, and entertainer, we will also remember Dolly for the way she used her success to lift up others and give children the opportunity to dream.
West Virginia holds a special place in Dolly’s remarkable legacy. Through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, children across our state have received free, high-quality books each month, helping families build home libraries and inspiring a lifelong love of reading. Her generosity has helped generations of West Virginia children discover the joy of a good book and imagine a brighter future.
On behalf of the people of West Virginia, the First Lady and I extend our deepest condolences to Dolly’s family, friends, loved ones, and countless fans around the world. We are grateful for the music she gave us, the lives she touched, and the dreams she helped inspire.”
U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito posted on X:
“Dolly Parton impacted countless kids across America through her Imagination Library, including 50,000 in WV. She was a true force of good and will be dearly missed!”
Dolly Parton impacted countless kids across America through her Imagination Library, including 50,000 in WV.
She was a true force of good and will be dearly missed!📚🪩
— Shelley Moore Capito (@SenCapito) August 25, 2026
U.S. Jim Justice said Dolly was one of a kind.
“She was also a force for good whose heart for children transformed countless lives right here in West Virginia through the Imagination Library.
Dolly will be missed.”
Dolly Parton was one of a kind and an unbelievable talent.
She was also a force for good whose heart for children transformed countless lives right here in West Virginia through the Imagination Library.
Dolly will be missed. pic.twitter.com/olSAEByoEg
— Senator Jim Justice (@JimJustice_WV) August 25, 2026
Chandler Limousine owner Tim Morris escorted Parton around Charleston when she visited four years ago. He said she was engaging and genuine.
“I told her you are iconic and there will never be another Dolly Parton,” Morris said. “She said that’s because I’ve outlive everybody and I said, “Seriously, you know how to heal people and bring people together,”” Morris said on MetroNews Midday.
During “An Evening with Dolly” at the Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences Parton focused some of her comments on her father.
“My daddy never had a chance to go to school cause he had a big old family—he had to go work on the farm to feed the family,” Parton said.