Dolly Parton, the much-loved singer, songwriter, actress and philanthropist whose music and irresistible personality touched generations around the world, has died at the age of 80.
Her family announced the news on Tuesday, 25 August 2026.
Her nephew Bryan Seaver said that while the sadness belonged to those she left behind, Dolly herself had “lived in the light”, adding that she was a farmer “like her daddy – he farmed soil; she farmed songs and happiness.”
Seaver, who was her head of Security for the last couple of decades (after his father), said Dolly had asked him to be the one to announce her passing; and had called him and said she “wanted to rest in a beautiful bed of plush cotton, because after a life wearing heavy rhinestones, she finally deserves to be comfortable and have some rest”.
A message from the family of Dolly Parton. pic.twitter.com/9DNRgRx0uH
— Dolly Parton (@DollyParton) August 25, 2026
Born into poverty as one of 12 children in rural Tennessee, Dolly went on to become one of the most successful and beloved performers of all time. She sold more than 100 million records and wrote an estimated 3,000 songs, including Jolene, Coat of Many Colors, 9 to 5 and I Will Always Love You, according to her website.
Her talent stretched far beyond country music. She starred in films including 9 to 5, Steel Magnolias and The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, won 11 Grammy Awards and received two Academy Award nominations for songwriting.
Parton’s death comes just 18 months after that of her beloved husband, Carl Dean, who died aged 82 in March 2025. They met outside Nashville’s Wishy Washy Laundromat in 1964, on the very day a then 18-year-old Dolly arrived in the city to pursue her dreams. They married two years later and remained together for almost 59 years. An asphalt paver who later owned his own paving company, Dean deliberately avoided the spotlight but remained his wife’s steadfast, behind-the-scenes supporter throughout her extraordinary career. Announcing his death last year, Dolly wrote: “Words can’t do justice to the love we shared for over 60 years.”
Days later, she released If You Hadn’t Been There in his memory, describing him as “the star of my life story”.
Dolly Parton’s philanthropic work
Parton’s legacy is measured not only in songs and awards. Her Imagination Library has delivered millions of free books to young children, while her generosity supported disaster relief, education and medical research – including a $1 million donation that helped fund research behind the Moderna Covid-19 vaccine.
Australian father Matt Bright was one of hundreds on X paying tribute to the country star. He said: “My daughter receives free books via her kindergarten from Dolly’s books for kids program all way down in Australia. We got one last night and all of my kids read it with their mum. I heard them laughing and enjoying it. Sincerest condolences to the family and many thanks.”
Although we could find no significant documented link between Dolly and the French Riviera, her music, humour, warmth and gloriously unapologetic glamour made her a global icon, loved as deeply in Europe as she was in her native America.
As Parton wrote in her 2020 book, Dolly Parton, Songteller, she hoped above all to be remembered as a good songwriter: “The songs are my legacy.”
What was Dolly Parton’s cause of death?
Representatives for Dolly Parton have confirmed that Dolly died “after bravely facing a brief battle with cancer” and passed way “at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center surrounded by loved ones”. She had been admitted to the cancer centre in Nashville four days previously, on 21 August. (Updated 26 August 2026.)
She had suffered some health setbacks in the past year, and recently cancelled an appearance at her Dollywood theme park due to “dizziness and dehydration”, according to the Independent.
Her legacy will forever live on ❤️❤️❤️ pic.twitter.com/O2jIUTZitA
— cyberstar (@charttalks_) August 25, 2026
