08/25/2026
A beautiful soul. She will be missed.
Dolly Parton, an icon of country music, has passed away at the age of 80.
Her family announced the news on Tuesday afternoon with a video message posted to social media. Bryan Seaver, son of Cassie Parton, served as the spokesperson in the video while announcing the news.
“I am representing the Parton and Owens family today,” he said. “Announcing the passing of my Aunt Dolly Rebecca Parton Dean, Sister, Sis, and Aunt Granny to one generation, and Gigi to the next.”
Dolly, a Tennessee native, 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 her father, Robert Lee Parton, Sr. (1921–2000).
A member of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Class of 2022, Parton enjoyed countless hits during her music career while winning 11 Grammy Awards. This included such songs as Jolene, Joshua, I Will Always Love You, and 9 to 5, among many, many others.
Parton stood out during her era, which spanned several decades, as she penned her own songs. She joined Loretta Lynn as one of the first female stars in country music to write some of her biggest hits.
“As a songwriter she has had few peers in country music, bearing a strong comparison with Merle Haggard in her wide range of interests and in her facility with a diverse array of idioms,” said country music historian Bill Malone, per Variety. “Her compositions encompass virtually every major theme in country music.”
Yet, Parton’s influence went far beyond country music. She starred in several films, including 9 to 5, and she published numerous books. She won six Golden Globe Awards, multiple Academy Awards, and multiple Emmy Awards. She was inducted into several music halls of fame.
Parton also made waves as a producer while working with former manager Sandy Gallin. She helped launch several projects, including Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
Apart from entertainment, Parton focused on helping others. She launched the Dollywood Foundation in the mid-1980s, an organization that has gone on to offer scholarships to high school students and donate free books to children.
The Dollywood Foundation has also supported victims of wildfires and many other non-profit organizations.
