Photo: Dolly Parton
By Mandy Park
Country music legend, singer, songwriter, actress and philanthropist, Dolly Parton, has died at the age of 80.
Parton died peacefully in Nashville, Tennessee, on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, her family announced. The cause of death was not immediately disclosed.
Her nephew, Bryan Seaver, who served as her head of security for more than two decades, announced her death in a video shared on social media.
The death of Parton brings to an end a remarkable career spanning about seven decades, during which she became one of the most influential figures in country music and American popular culture.
Born on January 19, 1946, in rural Tennessee, Parton grew up in a poor family but rose from humble beginnings to become an internationally recognised entertainer.
She recorded thousands of songs and sold more than 100 million records worldwide.
Among her most celebrated songs are “Jolene,” “9 to 5,” “Coat of Many Colors” and “I Will Always Love You,” which she wrote before it became an international hit through Whitney Houston’s rendition.
Parton also enjoyed a successful career in film, starring in movies including 9 to 5 and Steel Magnolias. Her influence extended into business, where she founded the Dollywood theme park in Tennessee, as well as into theatre and other entertainment ventures.
Beyond entertainment, Parton was widely admired for her philanthropy. Through her Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, she helped provide hundreds of millions of books to children around the world in an effort to promote childhood literacy.
She also supported medical research. In 2020, Parton donated $1 million to Vanderbilt University Medical Center for COVID-19 research, funding that contributed to research associated with Moderna’s vaccine development.
Parton received numerous honours during her career, including 11 Grammy Awards, an Emmy and an honorary Oscar, while she was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Her death came about 17 months after the passing of her husband, Carl Dean, whom she married in 1966. Dean died in March 2025 at the age of 82.
In a statement announcing her death, Parton’s family described her as a woman whose influence opened doors for generations of singers, songwriters, musicians and dreamers.
Tributes have since poured in from musicians, actors and public figures across the world. Fellow country star Reba McEntire described Parton as irreplaceable, while Kacey Musgraves said the world felt “a lot less sparkly” following her death
Parton’s family has indicated that she will be honoured at a small, private funeral service attended by immediate family members.
With her distinctive voice, songwriting talent, business success and extraordinary charitable work, Dolly Parton leaves behind a legacy that extends far beyond country music. Her songs and humanitarian contributions are expected to continue influencing generations to come.
