SHINEDOWN's BRENT SMITH: 'DOLLY PARTON Will Be Talked About For Centuries'

In a new interview with Australian Musician editor Greg Phillips, SHINEDOWN frontman Brent Smith spoke about the recent passing of country music icon Dolly Parton after a short bout with cancer. Addressing his own country music influences, Brent said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "My country influences came from [Dolly's] era. I grew up listening to Dolly Parton. My granny, my mother's mother, raised me on Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn. She raised me on Hank Williams. She raised me on Johnny Cash. She raised me on Waylon Jennings. She definitely raised me on Willie Nelson, Lucinda Williams. I was influenced a lot by that era of country music."

He continued: "As far as Dolly is concerned, I think there's a reason why the entire world, and I think every single country, I think there's probably 270 flags that are all at half-mast for the next week. And I'm saying that gives you an indication of the — I don't wanna say the 'mark' that she left, but the type of individual where she was beloved by the entire planet."

Brent added: "It's tough because you're in this timeframe where some of these artists that are in their late 70s, early 80s… It's weird because 80 almost feels, in this day and age, not that old. You see people now living much longer. But also, too, within a two-day period, Dolly Parton passing away at 80, and then [beloved British actor and singer] Tim Curry passing away at 80. And Tim was a remarkable artist in his own right.

"But I think what I feel about Dolly is the beautiful, positive impression that she left on the world that will… Dolly Parton will be talked about for centuries. I just feel lucky that we had her as long as we had her, and that I was alive during the same time that she was, because she was just an extraordinary human being."

Dolly died on Tuesday, August 25 in Nashville, Tennessee following a "brief battle with cancer." The type of cancer was not disclosed. She was 80 years old.

On Friday, August 21, Parton was admitted to the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, where she died four days later. Parton was dealing with kidney and autoimmune issues prior to her death.

At Dolly's request, a small, private service will be held for immediate family. Dolly's fans and friends from around the world are encouraged to pay tribute to Dolly on social media by tagging @DollyParton or by leaving a message at www.dollyparton.com.

In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations to be made to Dolly Parton's Imagination Library at www.imaginationlibrary.com.