Dolly Parton has died at the age of 80. The death of the American singer, songwriter, actress, and businesswoman was announced on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, by her family. A major figure in American music since the 1960s, she leaves behind a career spanning more than six decades and some of the most famous songs in the history of country and pop. The artist's family announced her death through her nephew, Bryan Seaver, in a video posted on Dolly Parton's social media accounts. The precise circumstances and cause of her death were not immediately disclosed.
From the poverty of Tennessee to the pinnacle of American music
Born on January 19, 1946, in Sevierville, Tennessee, Dolly Rebecca Parton grew up in a very modest family in the Great Smoky Mountains. She was one of twelve children of Robert Lee Parton and Avie Lee Owens. Music played a central role in her life from a very young age. As a child, she sang in church and performed on local radio stations. After graduating from high school in 1964, she left the very next day for Nashville with the ambition of becoming a professional singer and songwriter. Her meeting with Porter Wagoner in the late 1960s significantly accelerated her career. She became a regular on his television show and recorded several duets with him before gradually branching out to build her solo career.
"Jolene", the song that became a global classic
In the 1970s, Dolly Parton definitively established herself as one of the great voices of American country music. In 1973, she recorded "Jolene ," a song in which a woman begs a rival not to take the man she loves. The song became one of the iconic tracks in her repertoire and has transcended generations. The same period saw the birth of another major hit in her career: " I Will Always Love You ." Dolly Parton wrote and performed this song herself in 1973. Nearly twenty years later, Whitney Houston recorded a new version for the film *The Bodyguard *. The song became a huge international success and introduced Dolly Parton's composition to an even wider audience. Behind her spectacular image, extravagant outfits, and self-deprecating humor, Dolly Parton was above all a remarkably prolific songwriter. Throughout her life, she wrote several thousand songs.
"9 to 5", from record to cinema
Dolly Parton quickly expanded beyond country music. In 1980, she made her film debut alongside Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin in 9 to 5. She also wrote and performed the film's title song. The track became one of her biggest hits and earned her two Grammy Awards. It was also nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song. Her acting career continued, notably with The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas in 1982 and Steel Magnolias in 1989. She also made numerous television appearances while continuing to record and perform live.
Over 100 million records sold and 11 Grammy Awards
Dolly Parton's recording career reached exceptional proportions. More than 100 million records were sold worldwide. She received 11 Grammy Awards during her career and placed dozens of albums and singles among the top-selling singles in the United States. Her influence eventually extended far beyond the boundaries of country music. Several generations of artists claim her legacy and cover her songs. In 2022, Dolly Parton was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. She initially expressed reservations about this honor, believing she hadn't contributed enough to rock music to deserve it, before ultimately accepting her induction.
Dollywood, Dolly Parton's other empire
The singer also became a formidable businesswoman. In 1986, she partnered with a Tennessee amusement park that became Dollywood. Located in Pigeon Forge, near her birthplace, the park gradually became one of Tennessee's premier tourist attractions. A whole range of tourist activities developed around its name, including hotels, shows, and numerous attractions. Despite her wealth and worldwide fame, Dolly Parton maintained a particularly strong connection to Tennessee and the mountains where she grew up throughout her career.
Millions of books given to children
Her philanthropic work also forms a significant part of her legacy. In 1995, she founded the Imagination Library, initially intended for children in her home county. The program is based on a simple principle: sending free books to young children to foster learning and a love of reading. The initiative has since expanded internationally, distributing millions of books each month in several countries. In 2020, Dolly Parton also donated $1 million to COVID-19 research at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. This research contributed to the development of the Moderna vaccine.
A final period of life marked by several bereavements and health problems
Dolly Parton's final years had been particularly difficult on a personal level. Her husband, Carl Dean, died in March 2025 at the age of 82. The couple had been married for nearly 60 years. In July 2026, the singer also lost her older brother, Coy "Denver" Parton, who died at 82. Dolly Parton had also experienced several health problems. A planned Las Vegas residency was initially postponed so she could undergo various medical procedures, before finally being canceled in 2026. Despite this, she remained active. Just days before her death, she was still talking about her projects and her desire to continue her work. On August 19, new international certifications recognizing her sales had been announced.
A career spanning more than six decades comes to an end
From "Jolene " to "I Will Always Love You ," from "9 to 5" to "Dollywood," Dolly Parton built a career remarkable for its length and scope. A country singer who became an international star, songwriter, actress, producer, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, she became one of the most recognizable figures in American popular culture. Dolly Parton celebrated her 80th birthday on January 19th. Her passing brings to a close more than six decades of a career that began in the mountains of Tennessee and became a global phenomenon.
