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ENTERTAINMENT

Dolly Parton’s legacy lives on in songs — and books — across Arizona

Country music icon performed across the state, while her Imagination Library put books into the hands of thousands of Arizona children

Dolly Parton, the country music giant whose songs, rhinestones, wit and uncommon generosity made her one of America’s most beloved entertainers, died Tuesday at age 80.

Her death Aug. 25 closed a career that stretched more than six decades and far beyond the country music that first made her famous. Parton wrote thousands of songs, including “Jolene,” “Coat of Many Colors,” “9 to 5” and “I Will Always Love You,” while becoming a recording star, songwriter, actress, entrepreneur and philanthropist. Her honors included 11 Grammy Awards and induction into both the Country Music and Rock & Roll halls of fame.

Arizona got its share of Dolly along the way.

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