American country music icon Dolly Parton has died aged 80
American country music legend Dolly Parton has died at the age of 80, her family announced. The singer, songwriter, actress, and philanthropist — known worldwide for smash hits like Jolene and 9 to 5 — passed away in Nashville, Tennessee.
Her family announced the news on Instagram, saying Parton “left us today” and that she died peacefully. Multiple major news outlets — including NBC News, ABC News, AP News, BBC, Sky News, The New York Times, People, Variety, CNN, and Forbes — are reporting the death.
A seven-decade career that defined country music
Born Dolly Rebecca Parton on January 19, 1946, in Pittman Center, Tennessee, Parton began performing as a child and rose to fame in the 1960s and 1970s. Her career spanned more than six decades and transformed country music into a global phenomenon.
Her signature hits include:
- Jolene (1973) — one of the most-covered songs in country music history
- 9 to 5 (1980) — a chart-topping anthem that became an enduring feminist classic and launched her film career
- I Will Always Love You (1974, later a #1 hit for Whitney Houston in 1992)
- Coat of Many Colors, Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain, Here You Come Again, and dozens more
She was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and received the Kennedy Center Honors in 2022. She won 11 Grammy Awards and was nominated for 13 more.
Philanthropy and business
Beyond music, Parton built a business empire and became one of America’s most beloved philanthropists. Her best-known charitable work is the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, which has gifted more than 200 million free books to children worldwide since 1995, promoting literacy from birth through age five.
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She also co-owned the Dollywood theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, and the Dolly Parton’s Stampede dinner attraction, both major tourist destinations that showcase Appalachian culture and employ thousands.
In 2020, she donated $1 million to Vanderbilt University Medical Center for COVID-19 vaccine research — a contribution widely credited with helping accelerate the development of the Moderna vaccine.
Personal life
Parton was married to Carl Dean from 1966 until his death in March 2025. The couple married in a secret ceremony in Nashville and maintained a famously private life together. She is survived by her niece, Rachel Parton George, and many extended family members.
Just four days before her death, Parton said: “I still have so many things I want to achieve.”
Tributes
Tributes are pouring in from around the world. President Trump has ordered U.S. flags to be flown at half-staff in her honor. Celebrities across music, film, and politics are sharing messages of grief and admiration.
“She was one of the most beloved entertainers in the world, not just in country music. Her music, her generosity, her humor, her sparkle — it’s hard to put into words what she meant to so many people.”
“She was a once-in-a-generation talent — a songwriter’s songwriter, a performer’s performer, and a humanitarian who gave back as much as she took from the world.”
Sources
This report is compiled from multiple sources including NBC News, ABC News, AP News, BBC, Sky News, The New York Times, People, Variety, CNN, Forbes, NPR, The Guardian, The Independent, The Times, The Telegraph, Los Angeles Times, and Wikipedia.
Published August 25, 2026. Updates to follow as more details emerge.
Source: Original report. Rewrite for Your News Website.
Sad news. She was brilliant.
Such sad news. My thoughts are with her family and loved ones.