NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WDNews) — Country music legend Dolly Parton has died at the age of 80.
Parton’s death was announced Tuesday, Aug. 25, by her nephew, Bryan Seaver, on Instagram. Multiple national outlets have since reported her death.
Parton leaves behind a career that spanned more than six decades and made her one of the most recognizable names in country music.
Born in Tennessee, Parton rose to fame in the 1960s and went on to record some of country music’s best-known songs, including “Jolene,” “Coat of Many Colors,” “9 to 5” and “I Will Always Love You.”
Her success stretched beyond country music. Parton also became an actress, appearing in movies including “9 to 5” and “Steel Magnolias.” She earned 11 Grammy Awards during her career and was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Parton was also widely known for her charitable work. Her Dollywood Foundation launched the Imagination Library, a program that provides free books to young children.
Her husband of nearly 60 years, Carl Dean, died in March 2025 at age 82.
Parton had experienced health problems in recent months. In May, she announced the cancellation of her Las Vegas residency, saying she was responding well to medication and treatment but needed more time before she could return to performing.
Just days before reports of her death, Parton appeared virtually at the ACM Honors, where she received the Poet’s Award and spoke about the importance of songwriting throughout her life.
Parton’s music, movies and charitable work made her an influential figure far beyond country music and earned her generations of fans around the world.
Additional details surrounding her death have not yet been released.
