𝐃𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐨𝐧, 𝐐𝐮𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐌𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐜, 𝐃𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝟖𝟎

Dolly Parton, the country music legend who rose from poverty in rural Tennessee to become a global music star, Hollywood actress, businesswoman and philanthropist, has died at the age of 80.

Parton died in Nashville on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, her family announced.

Her nephew, Bryan Seaver, who served as her head of security for more than two decades, announced the death in a video shared on Parton’s Instagram account.

Seaver said Parton had asked him years ago to make the announcement when the time came.

“My name is Brian Seaver, son of Cassie Parton, and I’m representing the Parton and Owens family today announcing the passing of my aunt, Dolly Rebecca Parton Dean, Sister, Sis and Granny to one generation and Gigi to the next,” Seaver said.

He added that the moment was difficult despite having thought about it for years.

“This video announcement is something Dolly asked of me years ago, before I fully absorbed it as a future reality. As her head of security for more than two decades, a role my father Larry held before me, I have imagined the heaviness of this moment but haven’t truly felt it till now.”

Seaver also spoke about Parton’s Christian faith and her reunion with loved ones who had died before her.

“She lived in the light and is in the arms of Jesus, surely met by (her late husband) Carl, her parents, and countless others.”

He ended his statement by saying:

“Rest in peace, Aunt Dolly , Aunt, Granny, Gigi. May God bless Dolly Parton, and may God bless you all. She will always love you.”

Health struggles before her death

Parton had experienced health problems in the months leading up to her death.

In May, she cancelled a planned six-show Las Vegas residency after saying she was receiving treatment for health problems affecting her immune and digestive systems.

She had also previously experienced kidney stones.

At the time, Parton said she was responding well to treatment.

“I’m responding really well to meds and treatments, and I’m improving every day,”

she said, while explaining that the medication sometimes left her feeling dizzy.

Parton had also spoken about the effect of caring for her husband, Carl Dean, whose death in March 2025 deeply affected her.

Just days before her death, Parton told People that she was still recovering but remained determined to work.

“Even though I’m still healin’, I’m still workin’! You know me as I’ve often said . I’ve dreamed myself into a corner, and I still have so many things I want to achieve, so I’m gonna keep on working as long as I can to see everything come to life.”

Her final public health updates showed that she remained involved in new projects, including plans for a museum dedicated to her life and career in Nashville.

From Tennessee to global fame

Born on January 19, 1946, in Locust Ridge, Tennessee, Parton grew up in a large family with little money.

She began performing as a child and moved to Nashville as a teenager to pursue music.

Her songwriting ability soon attracted attention, and she later became a successful solo performer after working with country singer Porter Wagoner.

Over a career spanning more than six decades, Parton became one of the world’s best-known country musicians.

She recorded and wrote thousands of songs, including Jolene, Coat of Many Colors, 9 to 5 and I Will Always Love You.

Her song I Will Always Love You became an even bigger international hit when Whitney Houston recorded it for the 1992 film The Bodyguard.

Parton sold more than 100 million records worldwide and won 11 Grammy Awards, including a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.

She was also inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1999.Parton’s success was not limited to music.

She became a major Hollywood star after appearing in films including 9 to 5, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas and Steel Magnolias.

For 9 to 5, she also wrote and performed the film’s famous theme song.

Her distinctive blonde hairstyles, glamorous clothes, humour and outspoken personality became part of her public image.

She frequently joked about her appearance and once famously said:

“It costs a lot of money to look this cheap.”

But behind the humour was a highly successful businesswoman.

Parton became closely associated with Dollywood, the Tennessee theme park that bears her name, and built a wider business empire around her music, entertainment and brand.

A philanthropist who gave back

Parton’s influence also extended to charity.

Through the Dollywood Foundation and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, she supported children’s education and literacy, particularly by providing free books to young children.

Her literacy programme has distributed hundreds of millions of books to children since it began in 1995.

She also donated $1 million to COVID-19 vaccine research at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, a contribution that became associated with research leading to the Moderna vaccine.

Faith, compassion and public life

Parton was open about her Christian faith throughout her career.

At the same time, she became known for advocating compassion and acceptance, including support for LGBTQ people.

In a 2017 interview with Larry King, she addressed Christians who judged others over their sexuality.

“I keep saying: If you’re the fine Christian that you think you are, why are you judging people,” Parton said.

“That’s God’s job.”

Her ability to speak to people across different political, religious and cultural backgrounds became an important part of her public image.

A lasting legacy

Parton’s death closes the career of one of America’s most recognisable entertainers.

She successfully crossed the boundaries between country music, pop culture, film, television and business while remaining closely connected to the Tennessee community where she grew up.

She also remained devoted to the memory of her husband, Carl Dean, whom she married in 1966 and was with for nearly six decades. Dean died in March 2025 at the age of 82.

From a poor childhood in East Tennessee to international fame, Dolly Parton’s story was one of talent, determination and reinvention.

She leaves behind music known across generations, a major entertainment legacy and charitable programmes that have touched millions of lives.

For many, she will remain not only the “Queen of Country Music” but also an example of how a performer can turn humble beginnings into a global legacy.