Country Music Legend Dolly Parton Dies at 80

American country music icon, actress and philanthropist, Dolly Parton, has died at the age of 80.

Parton’s death was announced on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, by her nephew, Bryan Seaver, in a message shared on social media.

The singer, songwriter and actress died in Nashville, Tennessee, bringing to an end a career that spanned more than six decades.

Parton was one of the most successful and influential figures in country music, known for timeless songs including Jolene, 9 to 5, Coat of Many Colors and I Will Always Love You.

Her career extended beyond music into film, television, business and philanthropy. She starred in popular films including 9 to 5 and Steel Magnolias, while also building a successful entertainment empire around Dollywood, the theme park she founded in Tennessee.

Parton was also widely recognised for her philanthropic work, particularly through the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, an initiative that promotes childhood literacy by providing books to children.

Born into a poor family in rural Tennessee, Parton rose from humble beginnings to become one of the world’s best-known entertainers. She released dozens of albums, wrote thousands of songs and sold more than 100 million records during her career.

She won multiple Grammy Awards and was inducted into both the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Parton’s death comes months after she had spoken publicly about health challenges. In a health update released days before her death, she acknowledged that she had neglected her own health while caring for her husband, Carl Dean, who died in March 2025.

Despite the challenges, Parton had continued working on several projects and had expressed her determination to keep creating music and pursuing new ventures.

News of her death has triggered an outpouring of tributes from fans, musicians, actors and public figures around the world.

Parton leaves behind a legacy that extends beyond country music, with generations of artists influenced by her songwriting, distinctive voice, personality and contribution to popular culture.

She was 80.