By Joe Siegel

The world lost a legend on Tuesday. Dolly Parton was a singer, songwriter, and actress who was a vital part of the entertainment world for several decades.

According to Wikipedia, Parton recorded a whopping 49 studio albums, in addition to movie soundtracks and numerous collaborations with other artists.

She wrote “I Will Always Love You,” which became a blockbuster hit by Whitney Houston for “The Bodyguard” soundtrack.

In 1980, Parton appeared as Doralee Rhodes in the comedy hit “9 to 5.” She also wrote and performed the theme song of the same name. Parton also wrote the songs for the stage musical version of “9 to 5,” a show I have seen performed twice in Rhode Island and one I enjoyed as much as the movie.

In 1982, Parton starred as the madam Miss Mona in the movie version of “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas”, and in 1989, she played the hairdresser Truvy in “Steel Magnolias.”

As an actress, Parton brought a warmth and joyfulness to every role she played. In “9 to 5,” Parton shows off Doralee’s good-natured side as she provides moral support to her friends, as well as a display of anger resulting from years of mistreatment. Doralee is shocked when she discovers her co-workers have been gossiping about her “affair” with the sexist boss Franklin Hart (Dabney Coleman).

When Doralee yanks the phone cord out of the wall and hogties Hart, it’s a moment of triumph for anyone who’s been oppressed.

Parton was a humanitarian as well as a talented musician. I believe she had a loving heart and brought out the best in people. In a way, she was a friend to all of us. This is her legacy.

Dolly shows who’s boss in 9 to 5.