Dolly Parton, the iconic American singer, songwriter, actress, and philanthropist, whose career spanned over six decades, died on Tuesday, August 25, at the age of 80.
She died in Nashville, Tennessee, following a brief battle with cancer, as confirmed by her family and representatives.
Her nephew, Bryan Seaver, disclosed the news in a video shared on Parton’s official Instagram account. Seaver explained that Parton had instructed him years earlier to make the announcement when the time arrived, though the initial statement did not specify the cause of death.
Representatives later confirmed that Parton had passed away at Vanderbilt‑Ingram Cancer Center, surrounded by family. They have not disclosed the specific type of cancer or the timing of the diagnosis.
Her death followed a period of personal hardship; her husband, Carl Dean, had died in March 2025 at age 58.
Earlier this year Parton had spoken about neglecting her own health while caring for her husband. She also cancelled a planned appearance at Dollywood in August after doctors advised against travel due to dehydration and dizziness.
She had previously spoken publicly about immune‑system, digestive, and kidney health issues.
From Tennessee to country music
Born on January 19, 1946, in Locust Ridge, Tennessee, Parton grew up as one of twelve children in a low‑income family.
She started performing as a child and relocated to Nashville after graduating from high school. Her career advanced through songwriting and live performances, establishing her as one of the most commercially successful artists in country music.
Throughout her career she wrote more than 3,000 songs.
Among her best-known songs are “Jolene,” “Coat of Many Colors” and ‘I Will Always Love You’.
The song “I Will Always Love You,” which Parton wrote after ending her professional partnership with country singer Porter Wagoner, later achieved worldwide popularity when Whitney Houston covered it for the 1992 film *The Bodyguard*.
She also wrote and performed the song 9 to 5 for the 1980 film of the same name, co‑starring Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin.
She sold over 100 million records worldwide and earned numerous major accolades throughout her career.
Film and television
Parton also built a notable career as an actress and television personality.
Her film roles included 9 to 5, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, and Steel Magnolias. She continued to produce and appear in television series and film projects centered on her music.
Her contributions to country music, pop culture, and film broadened her audience beyond traditional country‑music listeners.
Business beyond music
Parton was also engaged in business and tourism ventures, most notably Dollywood, a Tennessee theme park bearing her name.
The park emerged as a leading tourist destination and employer in the state. In 2022 Dollywood announced a program to cover tuition and fees for employees pursuing higher education.
Prior to her passing, Parton was developing Dolly: A True Original Musical, a Broadway production based on her life and music.
The Imagination Library
Outside of entertainment, Parton founded the Imagination Library.
Launched in 1995 through the Dollywood Foundation, the program provides free books to children from birth until they start school. It expanded beyond Tennessee to other U.S. states and internationally, distributing over 300 million books.
Parton also donated $1 million to Vanderbilt University Medical Center during the COVID‑19 pandemic to support viral research, work that contributed to the development of the Moderna vaccine.
Awards and recognition
According to the Recording Academy, Parton earned ten Grammy Awards from 55 nominations and was honored with the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2011.
She was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Her career touched many facets of American popular culture, spanning country music, songwriting, film, television, business, and philanthropy.
Funeral arrangements
The family announced a small, private funeral service for close relatives.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to the Imagination Library.
No additional public memorial services have been announced at the time of this report.
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump announced that U.S. flags would be lowered for a week in her honor.
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