Dolly Parton's ‘all-American heart’: How country icon forged special bond with US military

Dolly Parton wore rhinestones and fringe, not a military uniform, but the American music legend spent decades finding her own ways to serve those who served America.

Parton, who died Tuesday at 80 in Nashville, forged a lasting connection with the military during her seven-decade career.

Her iconic blonde likeness appeared on U.S. military aircraft, she performed for troops and military families, recorded patriotic music and once took the Grand Ole Opry stage as American service members watched from Iraq.