COUNTRY MUSIC ICON DOLLY PARTON PASSED AWAY AT THE AGE OF 80

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Dolly Parton, the legendary singer, songwriter, actress and philanthropist whose music and generosity touched generations around the world, has died. She was 80 years old.

Parton died peacefully Tuesday, August 25, in Nashville following a brief battle with cancer, according to her representatives. Her passing was also announced through Parton’s official website.

Born January 19, 1946, in Sevier County, Tennessee, Parton grew up as one of 12 children in a financially struggling family in the Smoky Mountains. Those humble beginnings later inspired much of her music and her lifelong commitment to helping others.

Parton moved to Nashville after graduating from high school and went on to build a career spanning seven decades. She became one of country music’s most recognizable and influential performers, known for songs including “Jolene,” “9 to 5,” “Coat of Many Colors” and “I Will Always Love You.”

Her success reached far beyond country music. Parton sold more than 100 million records worldwide, earned multiple Grammy Awards and was inducted into both the Country Music Hall of Fame and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

She also became a successful actress, appearing in films such as 9 to 5, Steel Magnolias and The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas.

In 1986, Parton partnered with a theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, transforming it into Dollywood. The attraction grew into one of East Tennessee’s largest employers and helped make the Smoky Mountains an internationally recognized tourism destination.

Despite her success in music, film and business, Parton’s charitable work became an equally important part of her legacy.

She founded Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in 1995 to provide free books to children from birth to age five. The program began in her home county before expanding across the United States and several other countries, distributing hundreds of millions of books.

Parton also supported education, disaster recovery and medical research. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she donated $1 million to research that contributed to the development of the Moderna vaccine.

Her husband of nearly 60 years, Carl Dean, died in March 2025 at the age of 82. The couple married in 1966 and maintained a largely private relationship throughout Parton’s decades in the spotlight.

Following her passing, tributes poured in from fellow musicians, actors, public officials and fans around the world. Dollywood remembered Parton as its beloved “Dreamer-in-Chief” whose warmth, wisdom and generous spirit touched countless lives.

At Parton’s request, a small private service will be held for immediate family members. Instead of flowers, her family is asking fans to make donations to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.

Parton leaves behind a legacy that extends far beyond her unmistakable voice and timeless songs. Through her music, compassion, humor and generosity, she became one of the most beloved figures in American culture.

Dolly Rebecca Parton was born January 19, 1946, and died August 25, 2026.

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