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Country music legend Dolly Parton has died at the age of 80, bringing an end to an extraordinary career that spanned more than six decades across music, film, television, business and philanthropy.
Parton’s death was announced on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, by her nephew Bryan Seaver in a video shared through her official online accounts. Her family said the legendary entertainer died peacefully in Nashville, Tennessee.
A small private service for immediate family is planned, while further details about arrangements are expected to be announced later. The cause of death has not been publicly disclosed.
Parton’s death comes days after she spoke publicly about experiencing health difficulties. In an interview with PEOPLE published on August 21, the singer revealed that she had been dealing with health issues that she had previously neglected while caring for her late husband, Carl Thomas Dean.
Dean died in March 2025 at the age of 82.
“I am dealing with some health issues that I just didn’t pay attention to when I was watching over Carl,” Parton said.
Despite her health challenges, Parton said she remained focused on her work while recovering. She had also recently missed an appearance at her Dollywood theme park after experiencing dizziness and dehydration, with her doctor advising her not to travel.
The singer had previously postponed a planned Las Vegas residency because of her health, explaining that she wanted to return to the stage only when she was physically able to deliver the level of performance her fans expected.
Born in 1946 in rural Tennessee, Parton rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most influential figures in country music and American entertainment.
Her remarkable career produced some of the most recognisable songs in popular music, including “Jolene,” “9 to 5” and “I Will Always Love You.” The latter gained renewed international popularity when Whitney Houston recorded it for the soundtrack of the 1992 film The Bodyguard.
Beyond music, Parton established herself as a successful actress, appearing in films including 9 to 5, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas and Steel Magnolias.
Throughout her career, she received numerous honours, including 11 Grammy Awards, while building a reputation as a successful entrepreneur and philanthropist.
Parton’s influence also extended far beyond entertainment.
She founded the Dollywood Foundation‘s Imagination Library, a programme that provides books to young children. Her philanthropic efforts have supported education, disaster relief and medical research.
Parton also built Dollywood into one of Tennessee’s most prominent tourist attractions, further cementing her legacy as a businesswoman and cultural icon.
Her ability to combine music, acting, business and philanthropy made Parton one of the most recognisable and beloved entertainers of her generation.
As tributes pour in following her death, Dolly Parton’s legacy will live on through the music she created, the businesses she built and the lives she touched through her charitable work.
From “Jolene” to “9 to 5” and “I Will Always Love You,” her songs became part of global popular culture, while her distinctive personality and generosity helped make her an enduring figure across generations.
