Dolly Parton, the rhinestone-clad queen of country music whose songs became the soundtrack to American life, has died. She was 80.
Her family announced her passing on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, in a video posted to her social media. Parton died peacefully at her Nashville home, according to her publicist. No cause of death was given.
“This video announcement is something Dolly asked of me years ago,” said her nephew Bryan Seaver. “Dolly has lived in the light, and is in the arms of Jesus, surely met by (her husband) Carl… She never saw a door she couldn’t open, and the doors she opened made and changed history.”
From a one-room cabin in Pittman Center, Tennessee, to global superstardom, Parton’s six-decade career produced more than 100 million records sold and 25 Billboard Country No.1s — the most for any woman.
She gave the world “Jolene,” “Coat of Many Colors,” “9 to 5,” and “I Will Always Love You.” She also won 11 Grammys, starred in Hollywood films, built Dollywood, and through her Imagination Library put more than 200 million books into children’s hands.
In recent months Parton spoke openly about health challenges following the death of her husband Carl Dean in March 2025. Yet even then she said she planned to keep working.
A private family service will be held.
From Tennessee to the world, Dolly Parton leaves behind more than music. She leaves a blueprint: work hard, be kind, and believe anything is possible.
Culled from Reuters, USA Today, and CNN reports
