Dolly Parton, the legendary country singer, songwriter and philanthropist, has died at the age of 80 on Tuesday, August 25, 2026. Her family confirmed the news of the iconic Queen of Country's death through an emotional video posted by her nephew, Brian Seaver, on social media.
Parton's health had declined noticeably in recent weeks, a situation that already forced her in May to cancel her Las Vegas concert residency. Adding to that difficult period was the emotional toll of the death of her husband, Carl Dean, in March 2025, after the couple had shared nearly six decades of marriage.
A legendary music career
Over more than six decades of her career, Parton sold more than 160 million records worldwide and wrote enduring classics including Jolene, 9 to 5 and I Will Always Love You, the last of which later became a worldwide hit in the voice of Whitney Houston. Her versatility established her as a global icon, as she moved beyond country into pop and rock with her 2023 album Rockstar, earning her multiple Grammy Awards and a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Film success and business ventures
Parton's acting talent and charisma also brought her success in Hollywood, where she starred in films including Nine to Five and Steel Magnolias. In business, she drove tourism and employment in the Tennessee mountains through her theme park, Dollywood, and remained active until her final days, opening the SongTeller Hotel and creating a new musical for Broadway.
A lasting philanthropic legacy
Parton's charitable work was channelled mainly through her foundation, the Imagination Library, through which she distributed more than 200 million free books to promote literacy among children around the world. She also made a major donation to medical research and financed the development of key health treatments with more than a million dollars.
Known for her warmth and sharp wit, Parton often joked in public appearances that it costs a lot of money to look this cheap. The international arts and cultural world is mourning an irreplaceable figure whose cultural impact and generosity will endure.
