Dolly Parton, Queen of Country Music, Dies at 80

Country music legend Dolly Parton has died at age 80. Her family announced the news on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, in a video message shared to her official social media pages. d2b9e29f

Her nephew and longtime head of security, Bryan Seaver, said she died peacefully in Nashville. "Dolly has lived in the light, and is in the arms of Jesus," Seaver said, adding that she was "surely met by her husband, Carl, her parents, and countless others". A small, private service will be held for close family.

Born Dolly Rebecca Parton on January 19, 1946 in Pittman Center, Tennessee, she began performing as a child and moved to Nashville in 1964.

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Parton went on to become one of the best-selling female artists of all time with over 100 million records sold. Her 49 studio albums earned 25 No. 1 hits on Billboard's Hot Country Songs chart, the most of any female country artist.

Her timeless songs include "Jolene," "I Will Always Love You," "9 to 5," and "Coat of Many Colors". She won 11 Grammy Awards, including a Lifetime Achievement Award, plus 3 Emmys, and was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and Country Music Hall of Fame.

Beyond music, Parton starred in films like 9 to 5 (1980), Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (1982), and Steel Magnolias (1989), hosted a TV variety show, and built the Tennessee theme park Dollywood.

Known for her towering blond hair, rhinestone outfits, and warm personality, Parton was also celebrated for her philanthropy. She donated $1 million to vaccine research at Vanderbilt University in 2020. 

Family statements called her legacy "one of love, compassion, and resilience" and said "her wit, warmth, and kindness made us all feel like family". 

Parton was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Carl Dean, who died in March 2025. Just 4 days before her passing, she told PEOPLE she was dealing with health issues but planned to "keep on working as long as I can". 

Tributes have poured in worldwide for the "Queen of Country" who, in her nephew's words, "never saw a door she couldn't open, and the doors she opened made and changed history".