Dolly Parton has passed away aged 80.

The multi-award-winning country music icon, renowned singer-songwriter, author, actress and philanthropist, known for hits such as 9 to 5, Jolene and I Will Always Love You, died peacefully today in Nashville, Tennessee, according to statement from her public relations team, shared by the BBC. It reads:

"Global icon and humanitarian, Dolly Parton, known to the world as a beloved singer, songwriter, philanthropist, actress, playwright, and author died peacefully today in Nashville, Tennessee. She was 80 years old.

"Dolly is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 59 years Carl Thomas Dean (1942 – 2025), her mother Avie Lee Caroline Owens (1923 – 2003), and father, Robert Lee Parton, Sr. (1921 – 2000).

"A rhinestone life that shone bright enough for the world to see, Dolly will forever stand as an inspiration not only through her timeless music and prolific songwriting, but also her wit, warmth, and kindness that made us all feel like family. Dolly Parton’s legacy is one of love, compassion, and resilience. With a seven-decade career, she inspired multiple generations of artists and fans with her music and an unwavering commitment to making the world a better place.

"Her songs will continue to resonate with people of all ages, and her philanthropic work will have a lasting impact."

A cause of death was initially not shared, but it has since been confirmed to Rolling Stone by Parton's representative Marcel Pariseau that it was cancer, which caused her to be hospitalised a few days ago.

Although not giving specifics, last year Parton was very open about "health challenges" when postponing her Las Vegas residency, her first extended Vegas run in over 30 years that was rescheduled to this September then cancelled. In a statement about the shows, she explained, "my doctors tell me that I must have a few procedures."

Having written for others, Dolly began her own career back in 1967, releasing her debut album, ’Hello, I’m Dolly’. Her most recent studio album and 49th overall, ’Rockstar’, was released in 2023, the year after her induction into the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame.

She followed that record with ’Smoky Mountain DNA: Family, Faith and Fables’ in 2024, and ’The Dollywood Collection: Celebrating 40 Years of Music & Memories’ in 2025. Last year, Dolly also released the new single If You Hadn’t Been There, a tribute to her late husband Carl Dean, who passed away in March that year.

Alongside her outstanding music career, she is well known for her philanthropic endeavours, including Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, which gives free books to children every month.

Earlier in August, she shared a statement on her My Life of Many Colors Museum in Tennessee, which she described as "the biggest exhibit of yours truly that the world has ever seen." It was due to open this fall, but that may understandably be delayed in light of her passing.

As expected, since news of her death was shared online, there has been an outpouring of tributes from her public fans and those within the music industry. 

Watch a video statement below from her nephew Bryan Seaver, who, at Dolly’s request, represented the family to share the announcement.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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