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• I’ve visited 90 countries and seen a lot of beautiful places around the world.
• Wānaka, New Zealand, has an incredible natural landscape.
• I loved the architecture in Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay.

In January 2016, I took my first solo trip to Hawaii and instantly fell in love with this form of travel. Now, 10 years later, I run a travel blog, No Man Nomad, and have solo-traveled to 90 countries across all seven continents.

Throughout my travels, I’ve been lucky enough to visit some truly beautiful locations. From the second-largest canyon in the world to a UNESCO World Heritage Site, here are five of the most beautiful destinations I’ve been to.

I think Valle d’Aosta is one of the most underrated regions in Italy.

Valle d’Aosta, Italy’s smallest and least populated region, took my breath away when I visited in September 2024.

Located in the northwest corner of the country, the region shares a border with Switzerland and France, creating a majestic mountainous backdrop thanks to Mont Blanc straddling all three countries.

I recommend staying in the capital, Aosta. Nicknamed “little Rome of the Alps,” it’s not just Mont Blanc that’s worth viewing — Aosta is full of historic ruins, like Porta Pretoria and Criptoportico Forense.

Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay, is a peaceful escape.

When I visited Buenos Aires in January 2023, I decided to take a ferry to Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay, for a day trip.

The town is full of white, stone, and pastel-colored buildings, many of which are adorned with flowers. Together, they contrasted beautifully with the cobblestone streets.

Colonia del Sacramento’s historic quarter is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, you can head to the San Miguel Bastion for views of the sea or Ruinas del Convento de San Francisco for the only remnants left from a convent built in the 1690s.

Fish River Canyon in Namibia left me speechless.

On another international road trip, I visited Fish River Canyon in Namibia, which is the largest canyon in Africa and the second largest in the world after the Grand Canyon.

There were barely any tourists when I visited on a hot day in April 2024. Looking out at the massive, colorful gorge was an experience I’ll never forget. It was extremely quiet, and I sat by the edge to take it all in.

Wānaka, New Zealand, is ideal for immersing yourself in nature.

In January 2019, I traveled to New Zealand and rented a campervan for a road trip from Queenstown to Aoraki/Mount Cook.

My first stop was Wānaka, where I frolicked through fields of flowers and tasted local honey at Wānaka Lavender Farm.

I also hiked Roys Peak — a 5,177-foot summit where I saw plenty of sheep as I made my way to the panoramic views of the town.

Each morning, I sipped coffee on Lake Wānaka and admired the lone willow tree that grows in the water. As a New Yorker, I really enjoyed being able to lose myself in nature.

Jeju Island, South Korea, is gorgeous.

In March 2019, I scored a flight from Seoul to Jeju Island, South Korea.

One of my first stops was Oedolgae, a unique rock formation that’s believed to have been formed by a volcanic eruption. As I walked there from my hostel, I passed plenty of waterfalls and witnessed early signs of the island’s blooming cherry blossoms.

When I arrived, I watched as the waves crashed into Oedolgae and the other massive volcanic rocks that jutted from the ocean’s floor.

This story was originally published on April 18, 2025, and most recently updated on August 26, 2026.

• The 2026 Miss USA pageant is in full swing, kicking off with the costume contest on Monday.
• Contestants wore colorful, decorative outfits representing their states.
• Miss Nevada’s costume looked like the Vegas strip, and Miss Idaho carried a massive fish.

Miss USA is upon us at last.

It’s been another year of drama leading up to the pageant, with The CW pulling out of airing the finals a week before showtime. Not to fear, though, you can stream it online at the Queen Beauty Network.

Despite the hiccup, the 2026 Miss USA pageant kicked off on Monday with the state costume competition. The contestants took the stage in dramatic costumes that represented their states, wearing feathers, sheer bodysuits, and daring backpieces.

Take a look at the wildest costumes of the night.

Miss Alabama was in full bloom as she paid tribute to the camelia, her state’s official flower.

Samantha Havenstrite walked down the Miss USA stage in a strapless white gown that featured sculpted camelia petals attached to the waist, as well as a matching camelia headdress. The pageant queen said she wanted to honor the resilience of the “rose of winter,” as the camelia can still bloom during the coldest of months.

Since the camelia is also an important emblem of the House of Chanel, Havenstrite incorporated pearl details as a reference to the famous French luxury fashion label.

Miss Arizona brought Cupid to life on the Miss USA stage.

Kaitlyn Humphrey was inspired by Arizona’s nickname as the “Valentine State,” which it earned after gaining statehood on February 14, 1912. The pageant queen wore a sparkling red bodysuit with a sweetheart neckline, which she paired with baby-pink feathered wings.

She accessorized the outfit with a gold headpiece that curved into a heart shape, as well as a matching bow and arrow.

Miss California took inspiration from two queens, one mythical and the other modern, for her state costume.

Acacia McBride wore a sparkling black-and-gold long-sleeved bodysuit designed to evoke the armor of Calafia, the warrior queen who rules over the island of California in the 16th-century novel “Las Sergas de Esplandián” by Garci Rodríguez de Montalvo. McBride wore a matching headpiece that resembled a (very glamorous) helmet.

On the official Miss California Instagram page, McBride gave credit to another queen who served as her inspiration.

“Queen A channeling Queen B at Miss USA,” the caption read alongside the bee emoji, familiar to every Beyoncé fan.

Miss Connecticut glittered from head to toe as she paid tribute to her state, which is home to the “submarine capital of the world.”

Jaeden Hamelly’s sparkling bodysuit and dramatic backpiece were made by her mother and brother and featured thousands of rhinestones.

The navy-blue outfit was designed to replicate the USS Connecticut rising through the waves, which were sculpted out of lace.

Miss Delaware represented the chemical capital of the world.

Julia Hatoum wore a silver corset and shorts beneath a white, floor-length lab coat with a train. The costume was decorated with metallic hoops around her torso that resembled electron shells of silicon.

She aimed to highlight her career as a chemical engineer and show that Delaware is a state of innovation. Hatoum also carried a conical flask in each hand.

Miss District of Columbia commemorated America’s 250th birthday with her Miss USA state costume.

On her Instagram, Kennedy Lucas wrote that she wanted her costume to honor the country’s history “while celebrating the progress, possibility, and many voices that continue shaping our country.”

The star-spangled ensemble featured a red-and-blue bodysuit decorated with gold stars and matching gloves. Lucas also wore a headpiece that featured the Washington Monument against a backdrop of fireworks.

Miss Florida looked pretty in pink as she brought her state’s beloved flamingo to Miss USA.

Aileen Cerchiara’s state costume featured over 10,000 pink crystals to honor the flamingo, which is native to Florida.

Cerchiara’s ensemble also featured diamond chains and a large feathered backpiece that looked ready for a Las Vegas stage. She accessorized with a feathered headpiece and sparkling pink boots.

Miss Hawaii’s bejeweled ensemble paid tribute to the hibiscus, her state’s official flower.

The centerpiece of Darja Bassut’s state costume, designed by Simón Villalba, was her backpiece of large crimson hibiscus petals, which shimmered in the light.

Bassut also wore a sparkling yellow bodysuit with matching gloves and thigh-high boots, along with a feathered headpiece.

Miss Georgia’s sporty look embodied the spirit of the Masters Tournament.

Jade Kircus looked to the Masters Tournament, which takes place in Augusta, Georgia, each year, for her costume.

The outfit looked like a sparkly version of a golf uniform. The costume — adorned with pink azaleas, which are famous in Georgia — included a visor, boots, and a belt with a golf ball on the waist.

There was something fishy about Miss Idaho’s state costume.

Katie Tetreault’s costume was inspired by Snake River, which flows through Idaho. Her sparkling fringe bodysuit and shimmering blue train evoked the water, while her backpiece was a magnified version of the cutthroat trout, Idaho’s state fish.

Miniature versions of the trout also appeared on Tetreault’s headdress and skirt. The costume was designed by Kennedy Gasper.

Miss Illinois’ costume paid tribute to her state’s mineral and her family’s legacy.

Towering turquoise and purple crystals jutted out from the backpiece and headdress of Vivica Lewandowski’s glittering costume, which honors the fact that Illinois is home to the “fluorite capital of America.”

The crystal holds special meaning for Lewandowski. Her great-grandfather founded a fluorite mine in the state, adding deeper history to her Miss USA costume.

Miss Indiana honored the women from her home state who built planes during World War II.

Eniola Oke is a reservist in the US Air Force, so she is passionate about celebrating the roles women have played in aviation history.

Her costume celebrates the Indiana women of World War II who built the P-47 Thunderbolt. Her silver-and-green bodysuit resembled a plane, and she wore a headpiece modeled after the P-47.

Miss Kansas looked ready for takeoff as she took the Miss USA stage in an aviation-inspired costume.

Madilynn Becker wanted to celebrate her state’s aerospace industry, which includes more than 450 aviation companies.

Becker’s costume featured a sparkling navy-blue bodysuit, decorated with gold piping and buttons that matched her shimmering fringe shoulder pads. She accessorized the look with a matching pilot’s cap and a winged backpiece, decorated with stars and stripes.

Miss Louisiana showed her school spirit as she took the Miss USA stage in a costume celebrating her alma mater’s mascot.

Ella Clark combined Louisiana’s Mardi Gras spirit with Louisiana State University’s iconic tigers for her purple-and-gold state costume, designed by Simón Villalba to honor the school’s colors.

Clark’s costume featured furry thigh-high boots, which matched her backpiece. Purple feathers decorated her headdress and backpiece, and purple gems glittered on her bodysuit.

Miss Maine took inspiration from local literature.

Mykala Green’s costume comprised a pink, bedazzled leotard, a tiered train with ruffles, and an umbrella designed to look like a spider web. It was inspired by author E.B. White, who lived and wrote in Maine; the story of friendship in his novel “Charlotte’s Web;” and Green’s late best friend, Nikki.

Green designed her costume in collaboration with former Miss Massachusetts Peri Caron.

Miss Maryland transformed herself into the Baltimore Oriole, her state’s bird, for the costume contest.

Designed by Kimberly Mottashard, Holly Plank’s black-and-orange feathered dress coordinated with her backpiece, which resembled massive bird wings. A feathered headpiece completed her transformation into an Oriole.

Plank said she chose the Oriole for her costume because it’s a songbird, reflecting both her love of Maryland and music.

Miss Massachusetts celebrated Dr. Seuss with her playful costume.

Kayshauna Montaño wanted to honor the children’s author with her costume, as he was a resident of her home state.

Some of Suess’ most beloved characters were incorporated into her ensemble, which was created by Dr. Seuss Enterprises and David Rosinski. The Grinch and Horton from “Horton Hears a Who” were embroidered onto her train, her sleeves had the iconic stripes from “Cat in the Hat,” and her headpiece said “Dr. Seuss” in glittery letters.

Miss Michigan celebrated the Great Lakes with her sparkly look.

Amber Uhler embodied everything about the Great Lakes state with her costume. Her sparkly dress and train looked like water, while her headpiece resembled the Mackinac Bridge.

Her backpiece tied it all together, designed to look like two lighthouses watching over her.

Miss Minnesota brought the Minnesota Vikings to life when she took the stage.

Rachel Betterley took inspiration from Viking lore with her costume, turning herself into the Goddess of Valhalla.

The look, which included a spear and a winged headpiece, also celebrated Minnesota’s NFL team with its yellow-and-purple color scheme.

Miss Missouri paid homage to one of her state’s most famous residents, Bob Barker.

Madison Beck celebrated Missouri Hall of Famer Bob Barker with a “The Price is Right”-inspired costume.

Her gold-and-red bodysuit had a dollar sign on it, and a red cape trailed behind her. The showstopping element of her costume, though, was her large backpiece, designed to look like The Big Wheel from “The Price is Right.” It glittered as she walked the runway.

Miss Montana honored the bitterroot flower with her state costume.

Montana’s state flower, the bitterroot, only blooms for a short time, bringing a flash of color to the state each spring.

Lisbeth Fernández wanted to capture the fleeting beauty with her costume, designed by Kirsten Regalado. Swaths of fabric flowed down the arms of her sparkly orange dress, and she carried a staff with a depiction of a flower on it. Her large backpiece was made to look like a bitterroot in bloom, with feathers in pink, purple, and orange forming the flower’s shape.

Miss Nebraska looked to one of the Omaha zoo’s favorite animals for her costume.

The peacocks at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium have been known to wander and have become a favorite sight for area residents.

Emily Lenser turned herself into the eye-catching bird for the night, pairing a sparkly bodysuit and fringed skirt with feathered boots and a backpiece that mimicked the shape of a real peacock’s feathers.

Miss Nevada transformed into Sin City for the costume contest.

Not only is Las Vegas renowned in Nevada, but Natalie Bode has a personal connection to it, as she works as a TV reporter covering the World Series of Poker.

Her costume reflected her love for the city, pairing her blue bodysuit and gloves with a cape featuring Vegas iconography. Her backpiece tied it all together, as it featured the Las Vegas skyline and a flush of cards over her head.

Miss New Hampshire embodied the beauty of the state’s purple lilac.

LaBonne’s sparkly ensemble was designed to look like a lilac at every turn, from the petal detailing on her bodysuit to the flower headpiece. She also carried ribbons of fabric that looked like petals hanging from her hands.

Ladybugs were also embroidered into her costume, celebrating New Hampshire’s state insect.

Miss New Jersey used her costume to celebrate the spirit of the Jersey Shore.

Katarina Lengyel brought together the best elements of the Jersey Shore with her costume.

Her sparkly bodysuit looked like a sandy beach covered with seashells, with pearls adorning her shoulders and cascading down in ribbons, coordinating with her crystal-adorned headpiece. Her blue, shiny skirt was open in the front and trailed behind her in a train, much like an ocean wave.

Miss New York celebrated taxis, one of her state’s most iconic symbols.

New York City is synonymous with taxi cabs to most people, so Jenna Dykstra decided to turn herself into a cab for the costume contest.

Her black romper had a sparkly yellow-and-black corset that cinched her waist. The straps of the dress had a black-and-white checked pattern, as did her choker necklace and the trim on her black boots. A yellow hat that said “Taxi” on it and a matching purse completed the fun outfit.

Miss Oklahoma honored the Five Moons ballerinas.

Annamaria Thomas took the stage in a red leotard and tutu. Its bodice had a keyhole cutout and all-over sparkles, while its skirt was made from feathers. She completed the look with a crystal headpiece and pointe shoes.

The costume celebrated the Five Moons ballerinas — Indigenous dancers in the mid-20th century — and Osage dancer Maria Tallchief, the first prima ballerina in the US. Thomas’ earrings were made by an Indigenous beader, and the costume’s vibrant colors represented the Osage Nation.

Miss Pennsylvania was decked out in feathers.

Elizabeth Voight wore a crystal-covered bikini with bedazzled straps that crossed her waist and neck. Not only did the outfit show some skin, but it was also adorned with crystal fringe and massive wings made from red, white, and blue feathers.

Simón Villalba designed the costume to represent America’s 250th birthday, the United States Constitution, and the Declaration of Independence. It was worn with a massive crystal crown and matching boots.

Miss South Carolina looked like she’d stepped out of the sea.

You couldn’t miss Victoria Vesce as she stepped onstage wearing a pearl-and-sparkle-encrusted ensemble. It included a one-piece top with waist cutouts, a high-low skirt with glittering fringe, and iridescent blue ruffles that cascaded behind her. She also carried a staff with an oyster on top.

Designed by Patrick Isorena, the outfit also included a sparkling, shell-shaped backpiece, pearl fringe, and a crown made from the gems.

Miss South Dakota took a risk and wore leather for the costume portion of the event.

Lexus Paulson was inspired by the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in her state and by bikers’ style. She donned leather pants, a matching leotard with grommets and cutouts, and leather gloves embellished with fringe.

She also carried motorcycle handlebars across her back.

Miss Tennessee stood out with bright-orange feathers and silver sparkles.

Sydney Grace Young represented the University of Tennessee Volunteers with her state costume. It featured an orange-and-silver bikini adorned with the school’s logo, beaded fringe, and orange-and-white back and headpieces, both made of feathers.

Young and her family spent more than 90 hours hand-bedazzling the outfit.

Miss Texas blossomed with blue florals onstage.

Alexis Maxine Fuetsch celebrated her state’s official flower, the bluebonnet, with her costume. She wore a floral backpiece, a crystal crown with more flowers, and a bejeweled bodysuit that matched her thigh-high boots.

The costume was meant to honor the women of Texas and their pride in their state.

Miss Vermont was the epitome of autumn with a tree-inspired look.

Katherine McQuade wore a brown, beaded bikini decorated with pink florals and green leaves. The set matched her brown gloves, fringe heels, and branch-inspired backpiece, which made her resemble a tree.

Simón Villalba designed her outfit to mirror the landscapes of Vermont in the fall.

Miss West Virginia looked to the flowers of the Appalachian Mountains for her costume.

Alanna Lynch wanted to highlight the Appalachian Mountains with her costume, as West Virginia is the only state that resides completely within them.

Her green bodysuit looked like grass, while her sheer cape embodied a mountain covered in florals and greenery. Those flowers exploded out of the top of the backpiece, which formed the shape of a mountain.

Miss Wyoming embraced the bison’s fierce and majestic nature.

Melanie San Roman wore horns on her feathered headpiece, a fuzzy wrap around the waist of her blue-and-brown corset, and matching feathers that featured a bison portrait across the back. She also carried a fuzzy shield adorned with a gold bison head.

The feathers were meant to represent freedom, while the outfit’s blue accents mirrored Wyoming’s open sky.

• Dollywood, the late Dolly Parton’s Tennessee theme park, features a replica of her childhood home.
• The original two-room log cabin near Sevierville, Tennessee, had no electricity or running water.
• Parton’s brother built the Dollywood version, and her mother designed the interior for authenticity.

Dolly Parton’s Dollywood theme park is known for its rides, musical performances, and delicious cinnamon bread, but it also features tributes to the late country star’s upbringing.

Located in the Rivertown Junction section of the park, “Dolly’s Tennessee Mountain Home” is a replica of the two-room log cabin where she grew up with no electricity or running water in the 1940s and 1950s.

The display was built and furnished by Parton’s immediate family members, making it an authentic portrayal of her early years.

Parton’s death was announced on Tuesday by Bryan Seaver, the singer’s nephew. She was 80 years old.

Take a look inside Dollywood’s recreation of Parton’s childhood home.

The Dollywood theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, features a replica of Parton’s humble childhood home.

Dollywood is just under 6 miles from Sevierville, Tennessee, where Parton grew up.

“These mountains and my childhood home have a special place in my heart,” reads a sign outside the cabin. “They inspire my music and my life. I hope being here does the same for you! Dolly.”

Parton grew up in the two-room log cabin with her parents and 11 siblings.

Parton was born in Locust Ridge, southeast of Sevierville, in 1946.

The log cabin where she grew up had no electricity or running water, but Parton remembered her years there fondly in her 1973 song “My Tennessee Mountain Home.”

“In my Tennessee mountain home / Life is as peaceful as a baby’s sigh / In my Tennessee mountain home / The crickets sing in the fields nearby,” she sang.

Parton’s brother Bobby built the Dollywood replica, and her mother, Avie Lee, designed and furnished the interior.

A time capsule at the Dollywood DreamMore Resort contains a piece of wood from the front porch of the original home, which functioned as Parton’s first stage.

The dining area featured a small table and a wood-burning stove.

The walls of the log cabin were covered with newspaper for insulation.

Religious art adorned the walls.

Parton had often spoken about how her Christian faith shaped her life and music, telling People magazine in 2019, “I’ve always felt like my music was more my ministry than a job.” 

Dollywood pays tribute to Parton’s Christian upbringing with attractions such as gospel-music performances and a chapel that hosts worship services every Sunday.

In the kitchen and pantry, many of the items came from the original Parton family home.

The kitchen featured dishes, cast-iron pans, and a butter churner.

The log cabin only had one bedroom.

Photos of Parton’s parents, Avie Lee Owens and Robert Lee Parton, hung above the bed.

Parton had a long, successful career after her humble beginnings, but she stayed true to her Tennessee mountain home roots.

After graduating from Sevier County High School in 1964, Parton moved to Nashville and began her long, record-breaking career, which made her a cultural icon. She died in Nashville on August 25, 2026.

Editor’s Note: This story was first published in January 2023 and was updated in August 2026.

• In three months, I’ve traveled over 4,500 miles on Amtrak trains and come across some surprises.
• For example, my routes sometimes coincide with Amtrak’s partnership with the National Park Service.
• I’ve also learned that Amtrak trains don’t have middle seats.

From taking a bullet train in Japan to backpacking around Europe, I’ve visited 43 countries so far, and I try to travel by rail whenever possible.

However, when I reviewed the states I’ve visited in the US over the years, I found that I almost always flew to get from point A to point B, bypassing most of the country in the process.

So, I recently decided to focus on flight-free travel in order to see as many states as I could from the ground.

Amtrak has been the perfect way for me to do that. In just three months, I’ve traveled more than 4,500 miles, crossing through two countries and 17 US states, as well as Washington, DC.

Here are a few things that have surprised me most about the rides.

There are no middle seats on Amtrak trains

One of the main draws of Amtrak is that passengers will never get stuck with a dreaded middle seat. Instead, all the seats in coach are organized in pairs.

This is especially great when the route is less crowded and I’m able to have a whole row to myself.

I actually enjoy sitting next to strangers

Although it’s nice when I get a row to myself, I’ve really enjoyed sitting with strangers as well. In fact, I’ve never booked one of Amtrak’s private cabins, partly because I enjoy the serendipity of getting to meet other passengers.

It may seem as if being in close proximity to a complete stranger would be uncomfortable, but I’ve gotten lucky and have never had major issues.

Typically, my seatmate and I start the trip formally, but by the end, we’re swapping food and stories.

Train travel gives me a glimpse into life in different parts of the country

One of my favorite parts about train travel is passing through so many unique areas of the country.

Out the window of the train, I’ve seen hazy sunsets and sunrises, steep mountain peaks, and lakeside towns. I’ve also caught glimpses of everyday life — families out walking their dogs, friends sitting at a beer garden near the tracks, and children holding their mothers’ hands while waving frantically at the passing train.

It’s is a great way to see what life is like in other parts of the US, some of which I’ve added to my own travel bucket list.

To keep track of them all, I create a Google map before boarding that lists all the stations I’ll be passing through. This allows me to visualize the route and add notes along the way. If I see a cute railroad town or a pretty view I’d like to explore, I add a new pin to my map.

Amtrak has a joint partnership with the National Park Service

Sometimes, my train route coincides with the Trails and Rails program, a joint partnership between Amtrak and the National Park Service.

On these trips, a volunteer from the National Park Service will board the train and share stories and information about the parks as you pass through them.

During a recent ride from Washington, DC, to Chicago, we were treated to views of New River Gorge National Park in West Virginia. The volunteer told us about the park and other notable places we passed through, and came through the train cars to answer questions.

She also told us stories about growing up in West Virginia, which made the ride extra special. To me, it’s not just the scenery, but the stories that make slow travel extra special.

Each train station offers a unique experience

Something that’s struck me on my travels is how unique each train station is. For example, at Moynihan Train Hall in New York, I was impressed by the huge skylights casting shadows and patterns on the floor below.

Contrast that with Newark Penn Station in New Jersey, where the Art Deco details of the waiting hall draw your eye up to globe chandeliers in the ceiling and the intricate metal work around the doorway. Visiting feels like stepping back in time.

But no matter which station I’m in — or which train I’m on — traveling with Amtrak has been a great way to see more of my own country.

This story was originally published on October 9, 2025, and most recently updated on August 25, 2026.

• Dolly Parton, the beloved American country music legend, has died at age 80.
• Her nephew, Bryan Seaver, shared the news on Parton’s Instagram; no cause was given.
• Parton topped the Billboard country music charts 25 times and is in the Country Music Hall of Fame. 

Dolly Parton — the beloved, award-winning icon of American country music — has died. She was 80. 

Parton’s nephew, Bryan Seaver, announced the news on Parton’s Instagram on August 25.

“My name is Bryan Seaver, son of Cassie Parton, and I’m representing the Parton and Owens family today announcing the passing of my aunt, Dolly Rebecca Parton Dean. Sister, Sis, and Granny to one generation and Gigi to the next,” Seaver says in the video. “This video announcement is something Dolly asked of me years ago, before I fully absorbed it as a future reality. As her head of security for more than two decades, a role my father Larry held before me, I have imagined the heaviness of this moment but haven’t truly felt it til now.”

No cause of death was given. Concerns over Parton’s health arose in September 2025, after the singer postponed and later canceled her Las Vegas residency. The news prompted Parton to share a video that October reassuring her fans. “I want you to know I’m OK. I’ve got some problems … nothing major,” she said, adding, “I ain’t dead yet.”

On Aug. 21, Parton shared a health update with People, telling the magazine she was dealing with some “health issues.”

“Even though I’m still healin’, I’m still workin’! You know me — as I’ve often said — I’ve dreamed myself into a corner and I still have so many things I want to achieve, so I’m gonna keep on working as long as I can to see everything come to life.”

The legendary singer-songwriter, famed for her towering hair and razor-sharp wit, topped the Billboard country music charts with 25 of her songs and won 11 Grammys, 10 Country Music Association Awards, and four People’s Choice Awards.

She also holds a place in the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Throughout her life, Parton became a successful businesswoman, actor, philanthropist, and even theme-park owner as she rose to superstardom not just as a country artist but also as a humanitarian and LGBTQ+ advocate.

Parton began giving live performances at age 6

Parton was born in 1946 in a one-room cabin in Pittman Center, Tennessee. She was the fourth of 12 kids and grew up to the sound of Smoky Mountain folklore sung by her mother, Avie Lee Parton. 

She often credited her mother and aunt for her musical abilities and her father, Robert Lee Parton, for her business savvy, which she wrote about in her book “Songteller: My Life in Lyrics.” Parton described her family as being “dirt poor” in a CNN interview in 2002. 

“Although we had no money, I was rich as I could be,” Parton would sing in her hit song “Coat of Many Colors,” inspired by a coat her mother once made from scraps of fabric.

Parton began singing in her church at age 6. She taught herself how to play guitar on a homemade version of the instrument at 7 and got her first real guitar by 8.

Public performances continued throughout Parton’s childhood, culminating in a live show at the Grand Ole Opry at the age of 13, where she met Johnny Cash for the first time. 

Parton moved to Nashville the day after she graduated from high school in 1964. On her very first day, she met a young man named Carl Dean at a laundromat. Parton told The New York Times in 1976 that Dean asked her out on a date and she declined, but she invited him to come by while she babysat her nephew.

“He came up every day that week, and we sat out on the porch. I wouldn’t even take him in the house,” she recalled. “Then my aunt got a day off and she could keep the kid, and that was my first chance to go anywhere with Carl, and he drove me straight to his folks’ house and introduced me to his mother and daddy. ‘Cause he said he knew right the minute he saw me that that’s the one he wanted.”

Two years later, they were married.

Parton’s stint on ‘The Porter Wagoner Show’ shot her to stardom

Parton quickly signed with Combine Publishing and teamed up with her uncle — country singer and songwriter Bill Owens — to produce multiple chart-topping singles.

Her career really took off in the late 1960s, when Parton joined “The Porter Wagoner Show.” The collaboration led to six years of chart-topping singles with Wagoner, who convinced RCA Victor to sign Parton in 1967.

Parton finally hit the top of the charts as a solo artist with her single “Joshua” in 1971. Her success continued with songs like “Coat of Many Colors” and “Touch Your Woman.”

In 1973, Parton earned one of the biggest hits of her career with the song “Jolene,” inspired by a bank teller who had a crush on her husband.

Parton penned the song the same night she wrote “I Will Always Love You,” which became a mega-hit when Whitney Houston covered it for the soundtrack to the 1992 film “The Bodyguard.”

“When I wrote those songs, I remember just sitting in the corner of this couch by this fireplace that was in the first house that Carl and I ever owned,” Parton told Business Insider in 2022. “There was just something about that fireplace, the coziness, and that corner. The one corner of the couch where I was always sitting with my feet up, writing and singing my songs.”

Parton tried her hand at the world of pop music 

In 1976, Parton began working with Sandy Gallin, who would be her manager for 25 years. With Gallin, Parton self-produced “New Harvest…First Gathering” in 1977. It was the first time she had experimented with pop hits, but the album never left the country charts. 

Her next album, “Here You Come Again,” released in 1977, became the first of Parton’s solo albums to sell more than one million copies and led her to her first single on the pop charts. Parton continued on the path of pop-crossover success, winning a Grammy Award for best female country vocal performance in 1978. 

Throughout the late 1970s and 1980s, Parton released hit singles “Baby I’m Burning,” “Islands in the Stream,” and “9 to 5,” which coincided with Parton’s star turn as a working woman trying to take down her sexist boss in the 1980 hit comedy alongside Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin.

“9 to 5” became Parton’s first song to become a triple No. 1 hit, taking the leading spot in the country, pop, and adult contemporary charts. During this time, she had 12 top-ten hits, six of which went No. 1. 

In 1977, Parton met Queen Elizabeth II after performing at the Silver Jubilee.

“I was scared to death that I was not going to know how to curtsy, that I wasn’t going to bend right, but she was just very warm, very sweet, and I could tell she was a very giving person,” Parton recalled during a 2022 interview with Business Insider. “And just meeting the Queen of England, just to meet a queen, it was amazing.”

Parton returned to her roots as a country music icon 

Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Parton released a wide array of music, ranging from country to pop to bluegrass, solidifying her status as one of the greatest country music artists of all time. 

She became a songwriting staple in Hollywood, with many of her 2000s releases accompanying movies, TV shows, or Broadway shows. She also teamed up with stars such as Brad Paisley and Beyoncé to release new music. 

In 2014, Parton released “Blue Smoke,” which became her first top-10 album and her highest-ranking solo album ever. 

Parton’s first holiday album, “A Holly Dolly Christmas,” was released in October 2020 and was accompanied by a CBS Christmas special of the same name. 

Parton was more than a singer-songwriter 

In 2009, Parton released “9 to 5: The Musical” on Broadway, a live adaptation of the 1980 film, scored by her famed album. Though the show was not a hit, it earned her a Tony nomination for best original score. 

Parton also poured much of her earnings into her own business ventures, put on by The Dollywood Company. Most notably, she opened the Dollywood theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. She focused much of her business near her hometown, opening a dinner theater, a water park, and a spa all in Pigeon Forge.

An avid cook who loved whipping up Southern cuisine, Parton also released two cookbooks, including “Good Lookin’ Cookin’,” which she wrote with her sister Rachel Parton George.

Parton started Sandollar Productions with Gallin, which went on to produce a number of films and TV shows, including “Father of the Bride” and “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.” She also appeared on the other side of the camera, acting on shows such as “Reba,” “The Simpsons,” and “Hannah Montana.”

A tireless multi-hyphenate, Parton told Business Insider in 2022 that she often started her day at 3 a.m.

“I do some of my best work there, but I get enough sleep,” she added. “I don’t require as much sleep as a lot of other people do, that’s kind of a Parton family trait.”

“Dolly Parton’s Heartstrings,” an eight-part docuseries about Parton’s life, aired on Netflix in 2019 and became the subject of the NPR podcast “Dolly Parton’s America.” 

A mother figure and philanthropist to many 

Parton and Carl Dean never had children due to Parton’s struggle with endometriosis. Instead, the couple helped to raise her younger siblings.

Carl Dean died in March 2025 at the age of 82. He and Parton had been married for nearly 59 years.

Parton was also the godmother to pop star Miley Cyrus. She told Business Insider in 2023 that she hoped Cyrus would play her in a biopic someday.

“I love the fact that she’s brave enough to do whatever she feels like doing,” Parton said of her goddaughter at the time.

Through the Dollywood Foundation, Parton was an active philanthropist for most of her career. She mainly focused on literacy, launching Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, which mails one book per month to every enrolled child. 

She was also known to be an outspoken advocate for the American Red Cross and several HIV/AIDS charities. For her philanthropic efforts, she won awards, including the Association of American Publishers Honors Award for her work in literacy. 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Parton donated $1 million toward research at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, which funded the early stages of the creation of the Moderna vaccine. 

She also became a queer icon, frequently advocating for LGBTQ+ rights and equality. In an interview with Larry King in 2016, Parton said, “I do not believe that we should criticize and judge other people. I think we should be accepting and loving. We are all God’s children, we are who we are, and we should be allowed to be who we are.”

In her last interview with Business Insider in 2023, Parton said she wasn’t afraid of getting older.

“The way I live, the way I work, the way I feel, I’m going to make every moment count,” Parton said. “I may live to be 100 or I may die tomorrow, but whenever that is, I will know I died trying, and I will know I’ve done everything I could to make the most of everything.”

• Amazon’s Tetromino project aims to fully automate delivery stations.
• Amazon estimated more than $530 million in investment in Tetromino by 2029.
• Amazon says warehouse automation is intended to improve safety and efficiency for workers.

Amazon is developing a new generation of highly automated warehouses that use AI and robotics to process packages at the final stop before delivery.

The initiative, internally called Project Tetromino, is intended to build “fully automated” delivery stations, according to an internal planning document from last month that Business Insider reviewed. Delivery stations are the final facility in the shipping process, receiving packaged items from fulfillment centers before sorting and staging them for drivers to deliver to customers.

According to the document, Amazon planned to invest $103 million in an initial Tetromino pilot in 2028, followed by five sites in 2029 and 10 more in 2030. Each 2029 site could cost about $85 million, bringing the total Tetromino investment to more than $530 million by 2029, the document said. It also said Tetromino could process packages at roughly 2.5 times the rate of its existing delivery station design.

An Amazon spokesperson told Business Insider that this is an “early-stage concept” and the specific financial figures and road map in the document are “inaccurate and don’t reflect our current plans.”

“We’re always exploring and testing new technologies across our operations to improve safety and the delivery experience for customers,” the spokesperson said. “Like any early-stage concept, this is one of many initiatives we regularly evaluate, and plans evolve significantly as we learn.”

Tetromino offers a glimpse of how Amazon is trying to automate one of the most stubbornly manual parts of its logistics network. Industry analysts say tasks such as organizing and loading packages into vehicles at delivery stations remain difficult and expensive to automate.

The project comes as Amazon accelerates a broader warehouse automation push. On its latest earnings call in July, the company said it expects to more than double its fleet of robotic arms in 2026. Business Insider previously reported that Amazon is also deploying software that automatically recommends where warehouse workers should be assigned as workloads change.

Amazon’s Tetris-like challenge

One of Tetromino’s key technologies could come from Boxbot, an AI and robotics supply chain startup, according to the planning document. Boxbot’s system moves packages from conveyors onto trays for storage, then uses AI to retrieve and sequence them for delivery. Boxbot’s website says the system can make the vehicle-loading process up to 10 times faster. Boxbot did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Business Insider.

The Tetromino name itself may be a nod to the game Tetris, reflecting the puzzle-like challenge of efficiently organizing packages for delivery vehicles.

Amazon isn’t alone in trying to automate these tasks. FedEx is expanding its use of AI-powered Dexterity robots that autonomously load packages into trailers, while UPS and DHL use robots for unloading. The Amazon spokesperson also pointed to delivery station pilots announced last year as part of a €700 million investment in European facilities, including machines that unload, sort, and scan packages.

The push toward more automated facilities raises questions about what Amazon’s warehouses will ultimately need humans to do.

Amazon robotics chief Tye Brady previously told Business Insider that robots are intended to make frontline work safer and more efficient, not replace employees. Nevertheless, Amazon has internally projected that some warehouse robots will “flatten” its hiring curve over the next decade, Business Insider previously reported.

The Amazon spokesperson told Business Insider the company’s delivery-station initiatives are “designed to complement and empower our workforce and employees remain central to how we operate.”

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