Country music icon Dolly Parton has died at the age of 80, leaving behind a career that spanned more than six decades.
Parton’s death was announced on Tuesday, August 25, in a video posted to her official Instagram account by her nephew and longtime head of security, Bryan Seaver, on behalf of the Parton and Owens families.
Seaver revealed that Parton had asked him years ago to take responsibility for announcing her death when the time came.
“It is an honor that is mixed with absolute pride and great sadness. But sadness lies with us, not with Dolly,” he said.
He also shared Parton’s wishes for her final resting place, saying she wanted to “rest in a beautiful bed of plush cotton” after a lifetime of wearing rhinestones.
Parton’s representatives later confirmed that she died following a brief battle with cancer. She died at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville, surrounded by loved ones.
The singer had spoken publicly about her health days before her death, revealing that she had neglected some of her health issues while caring for her husband, Carl Dean, who died in March 2025. Despite her health struggles, Parton had said she intended to continue working.
Born in 1946 in Tennessee, Parton grew up in a large family and humble circumstances before rising to become one of the most influential figures in country music.
Her career produced some of the genre’s most enduring songs, including Jolene, I Will Always Love You, 9 to 5 and Coat of Many Colors. She also built a successful acting career, starring in films including 9 to 5, Steel Magnolias and Joyful Noise.
Parton’s influence extended beyond music and film. She founded the Imagination Library, a literacy initiative that provides books to children, and became known for her philanthropy and business ventures, including Dollywood.
Throughout her career, Parton earned 11 Grammy Awards, an honorary Academy Award, and numerous other honors. She was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1999 and remained one of the most celebrated figures in country music.
Her music also crossed generations and genres. Her 1973 hit Jolene became one of her signature songs, while I Will Always Love You achieved international recognition through Whitney Houston’s version. Parton also enjoyed a long musical partnership and friendship with Kenny Rogers, including their 1983 hit Islands in the Stream.
Parton’s death has prompted tributes from musicians, actors, politicians, and fans around the world, reflecting the breadth of her influence across music, film and popular culture.
She is survived by her extended family and leaves behind a legacy that spans music, film, philanthropy, and generations of audiences.
