Music legend, queen of country, and beloved philanthropist Dolly Parton has died at the age of 80, her family and publicist have confirmed.
This was shared today in an Instagram reel posted to Parton’s account, in which Bryan Seaver, Parton’s nephew, confirmed the news. The cause of death has not been shared.
A message from the family of Dolly Parton. pic.twitter.com/9DNRgRx0uH
— Dolly Parton (@DollyParton) August 25, 2026
“She never saw a door she couldn’t open, and the doors she opened made and changed history,” Seaver said. “My family and I have shared a lifetime of beautiful memories with Dolly, but so have you. She has always been on your television, your record player, your CD, and on your phone playlist, becoming an extended part of your family, whether you liked it or not.”
In September of last year, Parton shared a statement apologizing to fans for postponing multiple concerts in Las Vegas due to “some health challenges” that required “a few procedures.” She shared a similar update several months later, saying that she was still recovering from unspecified health issues.
Parton rose to country music fame throughout the ’60s and ’70s, releasing her first album, Hello, I’m Dolly, in 1967, and writing and performing beloved hits over the years such as “Jolene,” “I Will Always Love You,” “9 to 5,” “Coat of Many Colors,” “Here You Come Again,” “Dumb Blonde,” “My Tennessee Mountain Home,” and so, so many more. Her most recent album, Rockstar, debuted at No.3 on the Billboard 200 and included a version of “Let It Be” featuring both Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr. She has sold over 100 million records globally as of 2023.
Throughout her musical career, Parton was known both by her voice and songwriting skills as well as her signature look: big wigs, lots of rhinestones, and clothes that emphasized or even exaggerated her curves. She leaned into the cliches associated with her look with humor, making it clear in many of her songs what she thought of people who judged her personality or intelligence based on her appearance.
Parton also built a film career, starring in films such as 9 to 5 and The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, as well as appearing in Rhinestone, Steel Magnolias, Straight Talk, and Joyful Noise.
Across music and film, Parton was extremely well-decorated, with 11 Grammy wins, three Emmys, and nominations for two Academy Awards, six Golden Globes, and a Tony.
Apart from her voice and signature look, Parton was especially beloved for her philanthropic efforts. Her best-known project is Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, which provides one book per month to children signed up for the program from birth until kindergarten. She has also contributed significant funds toward cancer research, was vocally supportive of the LGBTQ communities, and donated $1 million toward Moderna vaccine research during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Parton was married to Carl Dean in 1966. The two did not have children, but were close to their nieces and nephews. Dean died on March 3, 2025 at the age of 82, at which time Parton put her career temporarily on hold. “Now that my husband passed away, there are several things that I want to start but I can’t do it,” she said during a podcast appearance at the time. “I will later but I’m coming up with such wonderful, beautiful ideas, but ‘cause I got so many other things that I can’t afford the luxury of, you know, of getting emotional right now.”
Parton’s publicity team have stated that her immediate family will hold a “small, private service” for her, while others are encouraged to pay tribute to Parton on social media by tagging her official accounts, or making donations to the Imagination Library.