Country music icon Dolly Parton, who brought her voice and larger-than-life personality to Atlantic City stages, died Tuesday, Aug. 25, in Nashville, Tennessee. She was 80.
Parton’s publicist said she died peacefully after a brief battle with cancer. Her death prompted tributes from generations of fans.
Parton opened her Vintage Tour at the House of Blues at Showboat Atlantic City on Aug. 16, 2005. The sold-out concert gave South Jersey fans a look at the production, which promoted her album “Those Were the Days.”
The show blended selections from the recording with Parton’s best-known songs, including “9 to 5,” “Jolene,” “My Tennessee Mountain Home” and “Coat of Many Colors.” The tour continued through the United States and Canada, but its first performance took place on the Atlantic City Boardwalk.
Parton returned to the resort May 3, 2008, for a concert at the Borgata Event Center during her Backwoods Barbie Tour. That tour supported the album of the same name, which included the title track, “Better Get to Livin’” and “Jesus & Gravity.”
Born Jan. 19, 1946, in Sevier County, Tennessee, Parton rose from humble beginnings in the Great Smoky Mountains to become one of the world’s most recognized singers, songwriters and entertainers. Her seven-decade career produced classics such as “I Will Always Love You” and earned honors across music, film and television.
Parton’s influence extended beyond entertainment. Through her Imagination Library, she helped provide free books to children around the world.
For Atlantic City concertgoers, Parton’s local appearances offered opportunities to experience a star whose warmth, humor and storytelling felt personal, even in a crowded theater.
Photos by Tom Briglia.
