Nashville, Tennessee.— Legendary country music singer, songwriter, actress and philanthropist Dolly Rebecca Parton has d13d at the age of 80, bringing an extraordinary career spanning more than six decades to an end. Her d34th was announced by her family on Tuesday, August 25, 2026.
Parton passed away at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville, surrounded by loved ones. Her representatives subsequently confirmed that she had faced a brief battle with cancer, although the specific type was not disclosed.
Her nephew Bryan Seaver, son of Dolly’s sister Cassie Parton, announced her passing on behalf of the Parton and Owens families. Seaver had served as his aunt’s head of security for more than two decades, following his father, Larry Seaver, who previously held that role.
Born Dolly Rebecca Parton on January 19, 1946, in Tennessee, she grew from humble beginnings as one of 12 siblings into one of the most influential performers and songwriters in American music history.
Her enormous catalog included classics such as “Jolene,” “9 to 5,” “Coat of Many Colors,” “Islands in the Stream” and “I Will Always Love You.” The latter became an international phenomenon when Whitney Houston recorded her own version decades later.
Parton also established a successful acting career, appearing alongside Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin in 9 to 5 and starring in productions including Steel Magnolias and The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas.
Beyond entertainment, Dolly became internationally recognized for her humanitarian work. Through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, founded in 1995, hundreds of millions of books have been distributed to children, making literacy one of the defining causes of her life.
Her husband, Carl Thomas Dean, preceded her in d34th in March 2025 at age 82. Dolly and Carl married in 1966 and remained together for nearly six decades.
Following confirmation of her passing, tributes began appearing throughout Tennessee and around the world. Buildings were illuminated in pink, flowers were placed at locations connected to her career, and fellow musicians, actors and admirers shared messages celebrating her influence.
Dolly Rebecca Parton (1946–2026) leaves behind far more than an extraordinary collection of songs. Her music, generosity, humor and decades of humanitarian work established a legacy that influenced generations and transformed her from a Tennessee country singer into a global cultural icon.