France, Aug. 26 -- Affectionately known as the "Queen of Country Music", Parton wrote some 3,000 songs during a prolific career that even inspired a Broadway musical.

The singer-songwriter became one of the most recognisable figures in country music while also successfully crossing into pop, film, television, business and philanthropy.

Her hits included "Jolene", "Coat of Many Colors" and the ballad "I Will Always Love You", which became an international success for Whitney Houston when it was used as the main song for the 1992 film The Bodyguard.

With 100 million albums sold, she influenced artists such as Beyonce, Miley Cyrus, Taylor Swift, The White Stripes, and sparked the career of the French singer Pomme. Robben Island radio

She...