Legendary American singer, songwriter, actress and philanthropist Dolly Parton has died at the age of 80, bringing an end to one of the most celebrated careers in entertainment history.
Parton died on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, in Nashville, Tennessee. Her death was confirmed by her family, with her nephew Bryan Seaver announcing the heartbreaking news on her official social media account. A cause of death had not been publicly disclosed at the time of publication.
The news immediately sent shockwaves through the music and entertainment world, where Parton had remained a beloved figure for generations.
Born in Tennessee in 1946, Parton rose from humble beginnings to become one of country music’s most recognizable and influential stars. Her remarkable career stretched across several decades and produced unforgettable songs including “Jolene,” “9 to 5,” “Coat of Many Colors” and “I Will Always Love You.”
Her influence extended far beyond country music. Parton successfully crossed into pop culture, appeared in major films and built a business empire that included the famous Dollywood theme park in Tennessee.
She sold more than 100 million records worldwide and collected numerous honors during her lifetime, including 11 Grammy Awards and inductions into both the Songwriters Hall of Fame and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Parton was equally admired for her generosity. Through her Imagination Library, millions of books have been distributed to children to encourage early literacy. She also supported disaster-relief efforts, healthcare initiatives and medical research, including funding that contributed to COVID-19 vaccine research.
Her death comes more than a year after the passing of her longtime husband, Carl Dean, who died in March 2025 following nearly six decades of marriage.
As tributes pour in from fans and entertainers around the world, Dolly Parton leaves behind a legacy that reaches far beyond her unmistakable voice and sparkling stage presence.
The Queen of Country Music may be gone, but the songs, generosity and joy she shared with the world will live on for generations.
