The Isle of Man charity helping to continue Dolly Parton’s literacy legacy has paid tribute to the country music legend following the announcement of her death at the age of 80.

The island’s Imagination Library said it was ‘heartbroken’ by the news, describing the scheme as a major part of the singer’s legacy.

A statement was shared with the press by the Parton family confirming her passing.

The statement read: ‘Dolly departed her earthly life today (Tuesday) at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center surrounded by loved ones.’

Tributes have been paid around the world, including on the Isle of Man, where the local Imagination Library shared its own message.

It said: ‘We’re heartbroken to hear that Dolly has died. Dolly gave so much to the world, but her Imagination Library will always be a huge part of her legacy - and we feel incredibly privileged to play a tiny part in continuing it here on the Isle of Man. Thank you Dolly.’

The organisation is a registered Manx charity bringing Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to the island, providing free monthly books to children under five, regardless of family income.

The programme began in Dolly’s home county in East Tennessee in 1995 and has since expanded internationally.

It was inspired by her father’s inability to read and write, with local supporters funding books and postage for children on the Isle of Man while The Dollywood Foundation provides the programme’s infrastructure.

Dolly also had a musical connection to the Isle of Man through Barry Gibb, who was born on the island alongside his brothers and fellow Bee Gees Maurice and Robin.

Barry Gibb co-wrote ‘Islands in the Stream’, the song recorded by Dolly and Kenny Rogers.