Country music legend Dolly Parton has died at the age of 80, bringing to an end the remarkable career of one of the world’s most celebrated entertainers.
The death of the American singer, songwriter, actress and philanthropist was announced on Tuesday, August 25, by her nephew, Bryan Seaver, in a social media video. Parton reportedly died peacefully in Nashville’s.
Parton, widely regarded as the “Queen of Country Music,” enjoyed a career spanning more than six decades and sold more than 100 million records worldwide. She became famous for timeless hits including “Jolene,” “9 to 5” and “I Will Always Love You.”
Born into a poor family in Tennessee, Parton rose from humble beginnings to become a global entertainment icon. She began performing as a child and moved to Nashville shortly after completing high school in 1964 to pursue a career in music.
Her breakthrough came in the 1960s after she joined The Porter Wagoner Show, where she worked with country star Porter Wagoner. She later established herself as a hugely successful solo artiste.
One of her biggest songwriting achievements was “I Will Always Love You,” which she originally wrote about her professional separation from Wagoner. The song later became an international phenomenon after Whitney Houston recorded it for the 1992 film The Bodyguard.
Parton also made a major impact in Hollywood, starring alongside Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin in the hit comedy 9 to 5. She later appeared in films including The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas and Steel Magnolias.
Beyond music and acting, Parton built a business empire that included Dollywood, television productions and other ventures. She also became renowned for her philanthropy, particularly through the Dollywood Foundation’s Imagination Library, which promotes childhood literacy.
Her charitable activities extended to medical research and disaster relief. She donated $1 million to COVID-19 vaccine research, among other philanthropic contributions.
Parton won 11 Grammy Awards and was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2022, among numerous other honours.
Her final years were marked by health challenges and personal loss. Her husband of nearly 60 years, Carl Dean, died in March 2025 at the age of 82. Parton subsequently reduced her public appearances and cancelled a Las Vegas residency because of her health.
Parton’s death has triggered tributes from across the entertainment world, with fans and fellow artistes mourning a performer whose music, films, humour and humanitarian work touched generations.
Her remarkable journey from poverty in rural Tennessee to global superstardom has cemented her place as one of the most influential figures in country music history.
