Dolly Parton, one of the most beloved and influential figures in country music history, has died at the age of 80.
Parton’s death was announced Tuesday by her nephew, Bryan Seaver, in an emotional video posted to Dolly’s official social media accounts. She had been dealing with a number of health challenges in recent years.
Parton leaves behind a remarkable career that spanned nearly six decades. A singer, songwriter, actress, businesswoman and philanthropist, she sold more than 100 million records worldwide and became one of the most recognizable entertainers on the planet. Her catalog includes country classics such as “Jolene,” “9 to 5,” “I Will Always Love You” and “Coat of Many Colors.”
Her success extended well beyond music. Parton starred in hit movies including 9 to 5, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas and Steel Magnolias, while also building a business empire that included Dollywood theme park in Tennessee.
In May 2026, Parton announced that she was canceling her planned Las Vegas residency because of continuing health issues. She had previously postponed the shows after doctors advised her to focus on her health. In a health update earlier this year, she said she was recovering from kidney stones and dealing with immune and digestive-system issues.
Parton was also dealing with the loss of her husband, Carl Dean, who died in March 2025 at the age of 82. The couple had been married for nearly 60 years. Parton spoke openly about how difficult his death was and how she was trying to rebuild her life while continuing to work.
But Dolly Parton’s legacy goes far beyond her music and entertainment career.
She became one of the country’s most generous philanthropists, most notably through the Dollywood Foundation and her Imagination Library, which has provided hundreds of millions of free books to children. She also donated $1 million toward COVID-19 vaccine research at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, helping support research that contributed to the development of the Moderna vaccine.
From her humble beginnings in rural Tennessee to becoming an international superstar, Dolly Parton built a career defined by extraordinary talent, hard work, humor and generosity.
For generations of country music fans, she wasn’t simply a superstar. She was Dolly—a one-of-a-kind entertainer whose songs, movies, businesses and charitable work touched millions of lives.
Her music will live on, and so will the rem
