American country music legend, songwriter, actress and philanthropist Dolly Parton has died at the age of 80 after a brief battle with cancer.
Parton died peacefully on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville, Tennessee, surrounded by family and loved ones, her publicist, Marcel Pariseau, said in a statement. The type of cancer she was battling was not disclosed.
Her death was announced by her nephew, Bryan Seaver, who shared a video message on social media. Seaver described her passing as a moment of profound sadness while reflecting on the lifetime of memories she created with her family and millions of admirers around the world.
Parton was born on January 19, 1946, in Sevier County, Tennessee, and grew up in a large family in a poor rural community. From humble beginnings, she went on to build one of the most successful careers in the history of American entertainment.
Her career spanned more than six decades, during which she established herself as a singer, songwriter, actress, businesswoman and philanthropist. She became one of country music’s most recognisable figures with songs including Jolene, 9 to 5, Coat of Many Colors and I Will Always Love You.
Parton’s songwriting reached audiences far beyond country music. Her composition I Will Always Love You became a worldwide hit after Whitney Houston recorded it for the 1992 film The Bodyguard, further cementing Parton’s reputation as one of America’s most accomplished songwriters.
She also made a successful transition to film, starring in movies including 9 to 5, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas and Steel Magnolias. Her performances and distinctive personality helped make her a major figure in popular culture beyond the music industry.
Over the course of her career, Parton sold more than 100 million records and won 11 Grammy Awards, including a Lifetime Achievement Award. She was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, among other honours.
However, Parton’s influence extended well beyond entertainment. She became particularly known for her philanthropic work through the Dollywood Foundation’s Imagination Library, which provides books to children from birth through their early years. The programme has distributed hundreds of millions of books worldwide.
Her charitable work also included support for medical research. Parton donated $1 million to Vanderbilt University Medical Center during the COVID-19 pandemic, helping support research that contributed to development of the Moderna vaccine.
Parton also established Dollywood, a major theme park and entertainment destination in Tennessee, creating jobs and attracting millions of visitors to the region where she was raised.
In recent years, Parton continued working on music, business and creative projects despite experiencing health challenges. She had also spoken publicly about dealing with health issues and the emotional impact of losing her husband, Carl Dean, who died in March 2025 after nearly 60 years of marriage.
Her death has triggered an outpouring of tributes from musicians, entertainers and public figures, with many highlighting her songwriting talent, generosity, humour and lasting influence on generations of artists and fans.
Parton leaves behind a legacy that extends from country music to film, business and humanitarian work. Her songs remain part of the international music canon, while her philanthropic initiatives continue to benefit communities around the world.
For millions of admirers, Dolly Parton will be remembered not only as a country music superstar but as an entertainer whose career was defined by resilience, generosity and an enduring connection with her audience.