The heart, hope and steely determination behind a musical legacy
BBC music correspondent Mark Savage looks back on the legacy of the "irreplaceable" late singer.
Coverage by Political Leaning
See how different sides of the spectrum reported this story
Notable Quotes
""Lily and I looked at each other and we had goosebumps. And we knew, this is not just a movie song, this is an anthem.""
— Jane Fonda , Activist
""I made up my mind that if he could live with it, I could live without it.""
— Dolly Parton , Celebrity
""You cannot imagine how excited I am about this... This is the greatest thing that's ever happened to me as a songwriter.""
— Dolly Parton , Celebrity
""Well, that throws a new light on this. Because I can't give you half the publishing. I'm gonna leave that to my family.""
— Dolly Parton , Celebrity
Key People
Dolly Parton is an American singer, songwriter, and actress known for her contributions to country music.
Elvis Presley was a legendary American singer and cultural icon known as the 'King of Rock and Roll.'
Jane Fonda is an American actress, political activist, and fitness guru.
Lily Tomlin is an Emmy Award-winning actress who starred with Dolly Parton in the film 9 to 5.
Reba McEntire is a legendary country music singer and actress.
Locations
All Coverage
BBC music correspondent Mark Savage looks back on the legacy of the "irreplaceable" late singer.
Similar Stories
Related coverage based on topic and tags
Singer Michael Kiwanuka reveals he is recovering from a stroke
The award-winning musician says he faces a "tough journey ahead" after a "quite severe" brain injury.
September 23, 2026 at 04:19 PMJorja Smith 'very grateful' as she bags independent music prize
The singer reflected on her "crazy" journey as she collected the prize for best independent track.
September 23, 2026 at 12:52 PMWill.i.am backs campaign for Sir Tom Jones to return to The Voice
Sir Tom Jones, 86, has appeared as an on-off coach on the ITV show since 2012.
September 23, 2026 at 10:03 PMHow Queen perfected trademark harmonies in a cave
Drummer Roger Taylor says Queen perfected their singing in a cave on a beach in Cornwall.
September 19, 2026 at 11:18 AMKerry Kennedy: 'It would be a tragedy' if Kennedy Center is demolished
The BBC’s Caitríona Perry spoke to the late president's niece, as protesters gathered at the venue to condemn demolition threats.
September 19, 2026 at 12:03 AMVeteran BBC Africa correspondent Mark Doyle dies aged 67
Doyle was best known for reporting on African conflicts in the 1990s and 2000s, notably in Rwanda and Sierra Leone.
September 22, 2026 at 02:16 PM