BREAKING: Popular US country music legend Dolly Parton is dead

American singer, songwriter and actress Dolly Parton has died at the age of 80.

The singer’s nephew and security chief, Bryan Seever, confirmed her death in a video posted to Parton’s official social media handles on Tuesday.

She was one of the most influential figures in US country music and shaped music and popular culture over decades.

Parton was behind global hits including “Jolene” and “I Will Always Love You.”

According to Seever, Parton wanted the latter phrase to be used as her final farewell.