Country music legend Dolly Parton has died at the age of 80, bringing an end to a remarkable career that spanned about seven decades and made her one of the most influential entertainers in American history.
Parton died peacefully in Nashville on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, according to an announcement by her nephew, Bryan Seaver.
The announcement was shared on social media, prompting an outpouring of tributes from fans and fellow entertainers around the world.
Seaver described the moment as one filled with both pride and profound sadness, saying it was an honour to announce the passing of a woman whose music and generosity touched generations.
Born on January 19, 1946, in rural Tennessee, Parton grew up as the fourth of 12 children in a poor family. Her father worked as a sharecropper before eventually owning a small tobacco farm, while her mother introduced her to traditional folk music.
Parton began performing as a child and was already appearing on local radio and television by her early teenage years. At 13, she performed at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville and recorded her first single, “Puppy Love.”
After graduating from high school in 1964, she moved to Nashville and established herself as a songwriter. She released her debut album, Hello, I’m Dolly, in 1967 and subsequently gained national recognition through her work with country star Porter Wagoner.
Parton later embarked on a highly successful solo career, producing some of country music’s most enduring songs, including “Jolene,” “9 to 5,” “Coat of Many Colors” and “I Will Always Love You.”
“I Will Always Love You,” which Parton wrote following her professional separation from Wagoner, became a major hit for her before achieving even greater international fame when Whitney Houston recorded it for the 1992 film The Bodyguard.
Her 1977 album, Here You Come Again, became her first million-selling album and earned her first Grammy Award.
Beyond music, Parton enjoyed a successful acting career.
She made her film debut in the 1980 comedy 9 to 5, starring alongside Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin.
She also wrote and performed the film’s title song, which became a No. 1 hit and earned an Academy Award nomination.
Her other notable film appearances included
The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, Steel Magnolias and Joyful Noise.
Parton also became a successful businesswoman, with interests that included television productions, food products and Dollywood, the Tennessee theme park that became one of her most recognisable ventures.
Her influence extended far beyond entertainment. Through the Dollywood Foundation’s Imagination Library, she helped promote childhood literacy by providing free books to children.
She also supported medical research, disaster relief and other charitable initiatives.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Parton donated $1 million toward vaccine research. In 2022, she received the Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy in recognition of her charitable work.
Throughout her career, Parton sold more than 100 million records worldwide, wrote more than 3,000 songs and won 11 Grammy Awards. She was inducted into both the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Parton’s death marks the end of an extraordinary chapter in country music. From her humble beginnings in Tennessee to becoming a global cultural icon, the singer-songwriter built a legacy that extended across music, film, business and philanthropy.
Parton’s death comes months after the death of her husband of nearly 60 years, Carl Dean, who died in March 2025 at the age of 82.
The couple married in 1966.
She leaves behind a catalogue of songs that have become part of the global musical heritage and a charitable legacy that continues to influence millions of lives.
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