ATLANTA — While Dolly Parton’s home has always been in Tennessee, she was far from a stranger here in Georgia.
The iconic country singer died on Tuesday at the age of 80.
Georgia Tech took to social media to honor the music legend, posting photos from a concert she performed at Tech’s Alexander Memorial Coliseum in 1977.
“We remember a legend and celebrate the lasting legacy she leaves behind,” the college said in its post.
Above and beyond her musical talents, Parton was also an actress and filmed movies and TV shows here in metro Atlanta.
The 2012 film “Joyful Noise” featured scenes shot at the Atlanta Civic Center and in the cities of Smyrna, Fairburn, Newnan and Peachtree City.
The film stars Queen Latifah and Dolly Parton as two strong-willed women who clash over the direction of a small-town church choir. Together, they try to lead the struggling group to win a national choir competition.
The TV series “Dolly Parton’s Heartstrings” was shot in Doraville, Canton, Marietta, Kennesaw, Stone Mountain, Norcross and other metro locations.
The eight-episode series on Netflix brought the stories, memories, and inspirations behind Parton’s classic songs to life, dedicating one song to each episode.
Her “Coat of Many Colors” - whose title became one of Parton’s signature hits - was filmed in Conyers and Covington.
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The made-for-TV show was based on the true story of Parton’s childhood.
Throughout the day, Georgia officials have released their condolences over Parton’s passing.
“Her exceptional talent and voice, and the kindness she demonstrated throughout her life and career are American treasures. As a daughter of a neighboring state, her loss is felt all the more in the South where she was so deeply loved,” Gov. Brian Kemp said. “Her impact on this Earth reached far beyond the music industry, and her life and legacy will continue to be celebrated for generations to come. She will be greatly missed, and the prayers of our family are with her loved ones and the entire State of Tennessee that proudly calls her their own.
Pat Houston, sister-in-law of Whitney Houston, said she was “so sad” to hear of Dolly’s passing, and thanked her for allowing Whitney to sing her song, “I Will Always Love You.”
“I am grateful that Whitney’s voice helped carry one of Dolly’s timeless songs into the hearts of millions,” Houston wrote. “May she rest in Peace knowing her music and her heart will live on forever.”
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