Dolly Parton has passed away

Dolly Parton Dies Aged 80 After Health Battle, Leaving Behind an Unmatched Legacy

Country music legend Dolly Parton has died aged 80, bringing to a close one of the most celebrated careers in music history.

The singer, songwriter, actress and philanthropist died on Tuesday, August 25, after facing a series of health challenges that had forced her to cancel a number of public appearances and performances.

The news was announced in a heartfelt video shared on Parton's social media channels by her nephew, Bryan Seaver.

“My name is Bryan Seaver, son of Cassie Parton, and I’m representing the Parton and Owens family today announcing the passing of my aunt, Dolly Rebecca Parton Dean,” he said.

Seaver, who served as Parton's head of security for more than two decades, shared an emotional tribute to the beloved star.

“This video announcement is something Dolly asked of me years ago,” he said. “It is an honour, an honour that is mixed with absolute pride and great sadness.

“But sadness lies with us, not with Dolly. Dolly has lived in the light and is in the arms of Jesus, surely met by Carl, her parents and countless others who have watched her and longed to meet her in the heavens.”

The heartbreaking announcement came just days after Parton publicly addressed her health struggles, revealing that she had been receiving treatment while remaining determined to continue working.

Parton said she had neglected some of her own health concerns while caring for her husband, Carl Dean, who died in March 2025 at the age of 82 after nearly 60 years of marriage.

Speaking to People shortly before her death, she said: “I am dealing with some health issues that I just didn’t pay attention to when I was watching over Carl.”

In recent years, the star battled dizziness, dehydration and other immune and digestive system issues. Earlier this year, she also cancelled a planned six-show Las Vegas residency while focusing on her recovery.

Despite her health setbacks, Parton remained optimistic.

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“The good news is I’m responding really well to meds and treatments and I’m improving every day,” she told fans.

“And of course, I can’t be dizzy carrying around banjos, guitars, and such on five-inch heels and you know that I’m going to be wearing them.”

Parton's death comes less than 18 months after losing Dean, whom she often described as the love of her life. Following his passing, she released the song If You Hadn’t Been There in his honour.

Even in her final years, Parton remained musically active. In 2025, she collaborated with Sabrina Carpenter on a new version of Please Please Please for the deluxe edition of Carpenter’s album Short n’ Sweet, with the pair also appearing together in a music video.

Her extraordinary career spanned more than six decades. After establishing herself in Nashville, Parton became one of country music’s most influential singer-songwriters, creating timeless hits including Jolene, Coat of Many Colors and I Will Always Love You.

The latter went on to become a global phenomenon when Whitney Houston recorded it for The Bodyguard, introducing Parton’s songwriting brilliance to an even wider audience.

She also found major success on the big screen. Her hit song 9 to 5, written for the 1980 comedy film of the same name starring Parton, Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin, topped both the Billboard Hot 100 and country charts. The track earned her two Grammy Awards and an Academy Award nomination.

Her acting credits also included Steel Magnolias and The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas.

Beyond entertainment, Parton became widely admired for her philanthropy. She founded Dollywood in Tennessee and launched the Imagination Library, a literacy initiative that has distributed hundreds of millions of books to children around the world.

Even while experiencing health difficulties, Parton continued developing new projects, including plans for the Life of Many Colors Museum in Nashville, the SongTeller Hotel and Dolly: A True Original Musical. She had also explored the possibility of virtual avatar performances as traditional touring became more difficult.

Her final years saw her connect with a new generation of artists. Earlier this year, she released a new version of Light of a Clear Blue Morning featuring Miley Cyrus, Queen Latifah, Lainey Wilson, Reba McEntire and David Foster.

Across her remarkable career, Parton won 11 Grammy Awards and earned induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Rolling Stone also ranked her among the greatest singers of all time.

Just days before her death, Parton summed up the resilience that defined her life and career: “Even though I’m still healin’, I’m still workin’.”

She leaves behind an enduring legacy that transformed country music, inspired generations of artists and touched millions through her music, generosity and unmistakable spirit.

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