Shinedown frontman Brent Smith has paid tribute to Dolly Parton following her reported death, describing her as an extraordinary figure whose influence will endure for centuries. He said her warmth, generosity and global appeal made her beloved worldwide, and reflected on growing up with country music from Parton’s era.

Smith cited artists including Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn, Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson as formative influences. The article says Parton died in Nashville aged 80 after a brief battle with cancer, having been admitted to the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center four days earlier; her family plans a private service and has requested donations to her Imagination Library instead of flowers.