Tributes Pour In For Country Music Legend Dolly Parton

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Tributes are being paid around the world to Dolly Parton, following the death of the country music superstar at the age of 80.

Parton died in Nashville on Tuesday after a brief battle with cancer, according to her publicist. She was surrounded by loved ones at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center.

The singer, songwriter, actress and philanthropist enjoyed a career spanning more than six decades, producing some of country music's best-known songs including Jolene, 9 To 5 and I Will Always Love You.

Tributes have come from fellow musicians, actors, politicians and fans across the world, reflecting Parton's extraordinary influence both on and off stage.

In the UK, her legacy was marked at Buckingham Palace, where the Band of the Coldstream Guards played 9 To 5 during the Changing the Guard ceremony.

The Royal Family described Parton as someone who brought "joy, comfort and inspiration" to millions, including children who received free books through her Imagination Library.

The literacy programme, founded by Parton in memory of her father, has distributed hundreds of millions of books to children around the world.

Parton also became known for her work in film and television, her business ventures and her philanthropy, while maintaining a broad appeal that crossed political and cultural divides.

In the United States, President Donald Trump has ordered American flags to be flown at half-staff until September 1 in honour of the singer.

Flowers, cards and other tributes have been left at locations associated with Parton in Tennessee and elsewhere as fans remember one of the most recognisable figures in American popular culture.