Country music legend Dolly Parton, whose career spanned more than six decades across music, television and film, has died at the age of 80.
Parton’s death was announced by her nephew, Brin Seaver, on her social media accounts on Tuesday, August 25, 2026.
In a video message, Seaver, the son of Parton’s sister Cassie, said he was representing the Parton and Owens families in announcing the death of the music icon.
He revealed that Parton had asked him years ago to make the announcement when the time came. Seaver had served as her head of security for more than two decades, following in the footsteps of his father, Larry.
Parton reportedly died after a brief battle with cancer. According to her representatives, she was surrounded by loved ones at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville when she died on Tuesday.
Her representatives said Parton spent her life bringing “joy, laughter, hope and integrity” to everything she touched. They also highlighted her philanthropic work, particularly through her Imagination Library and her support for medical research.
Parton had experienced health challenges in recent months and cancelled several concerts and public appearances. In May 2026, she announced the cancellation of a Las Vegas performance and revealed that she had been undergoing treatment for kidney stones.
“Lord, they dig more stones out of me a year than the rock quarry in Rockwood, Tennessee,” she joked at the time, while explaining that her immune and digestive systems had also been affected by health problems over the previous few years.
Born Dolly Rebecca Parton on January 19, 1946, in Tennessee, Parton released her debut album, Hello, I’m Dolly, in 1967 after establishing herself as a successful songwriter.
The fourth of 12 children, she went on to become one of the most successful and recognisable figures in country music. Parton received 52 Grammy nominations and won 11 awards, making her one of the most nominated women in Grammy history.
Her biggest hits included Jolene, 9 to 5, Here You Come Again and I Will Always Love You. She also recorded numerous No. 1 country hits and became a major crossover star.
Parton also enjoyed a successful acting career, starring in films including 9 to 5 and The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, both of which earned her Golden Globe nominations for Best Actress.
Beyond entertainment, Parton was widely admired for her philanthropy. Her Imagination Library has provided millions of books to children, while her charitable initiatives have supported education, healthcare and medical research.
Her husband of 58 years, Carl Dean, died on March 3, 2025, in Nashville at the age of 82. Dean famously maintained a private life away from the spotlight.
Following his death, Parton paid tribute to their relationship by releasing the song If You Hadn’t Been There.
News of Parton’s death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from fellow entertainers and longtime friends. Actress Jane Fonda, her co-star in 9 to 5, remembered her as funny, generous and “completely one of a kind.”
Country music star Reba McEntire also mourned the loss, saying there would “never ever be another” Dolly Parton.
From her humble beginnings in Tennessee to international stardom, Parton built a remarkable legacy as a singer, songwriter, actress, businesswoman and philanthropist.
She leaves behind one of the most enduring legacies in American popular culture, with music and humanitarian work that touched generations around the world.