Dolly Parton has died at the age of 80.
Videos by Wide Open Country
The tragic news was confirmed on social media by her nephew, Brian Seaver, on Aug. 25, PEOPLE reported. He shared the family's statement.
"My name is Brin 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, Sister, Sis and Granny to one generation and Gigi to the next," he shared.
"This video announcement is something Dolly asked of me years ago, before I fully absorbed it as a future reality," he added. "As her head of security for more than two decades, a role my father Larry held before me, I have imagined the heaviness of this moment but haven't truly felt it until now.
"It is an honor, an honor 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 news of Parton's death comes just over a year after of her husband, Carl Dean. Since then, she has suffered several health setbacks. This led to the cancellation of a Las Vegas residency in May 2026.
Dolly Parton Was One of 11 Children
Born in Pittman Center, Tennessee, on Jan. 19, 1946, the "Queen of Country" was the fourth of 11 children.
Parton grew up poor in a one-room cabin in the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. But she never knew any hardship, as her mother raised her children with love and cared for their every need.
The song "Coat of Many Colors" was inspired by Parton's mother, who sewed a coat for her from a box of rags. Parton was then mocked by more fortunate students at school for wearing the patchwork coat.
But Parton's mother was also her first musical influence. Parton moved to Nashville in 1964, writing songs and playing in clubs. Porter Wagoner then asked her to be his sidekick on his television show when she was just 21.
Parton was a hit on the show, and it eventually led to a record deal. "Coat of Many Colors" became a hit in 1971. But Parton's breakthrough came in 1973. That's when "Jolene" was released. It was inspired by a redheaded woman working at the bank Dean frequented. Parton believed the woman developed a crush on him.
But as Parton's star began to rise, her salary from Wagoner remained the same.
"He gave me necklaces, rings, and a Cadillac, and those presents got a lot of attention in the media," she said. "But my paycheck never changed through all of that. I kept asking for a raise and never got one. He would buy me all these things and say, 'Consider that your raise.'"
Dolly Parton would eventually leave Wagoner's show in 1974. Her mixed feelings about her departure inspired the song "I Will Always Love You." Whitney Houston turned it into a massive hit in 1992 for her film The Bodyguard.
Parton Would Become an Icon
In the 1970s and 80s, Parton's star rose far beyond Nashville. Songs like "Here You Come Again," "Light of a Clear Blue Morning," and "Islands in the Stream," a duet with Kenny Rogers, became massive pop hits.
Fans were also taken with Parton's grace and sincerity, especially when it came to her looks. On the Howard Stern Show in 2023, Dolly admitted that she used "fillers, Botox," and "Juvéderm" from time to time.
In 1980, Parton began her acting career in the hit comedy 9 to 5. The film's title track also became her first number one hit on the pop chart. She would go on to star in The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, Rhinestone, Steel Magnolias, Straight Talk, and Joyful Noise.
Parton Became a Brand Name
Parton also became a brand name. She showed her considerable business savvy with her Dollywood theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Her name also graces dinner theaters in Tennessee and Missouri, as well as her beauty and fragrance lines. Dolly's Tennessean Travel Stop in Cornersville, Tennessee, opened earlier this year.
"The greatest privilege of my life has been helping Dolly bring her dreams to life at Dollywood," said Eugene Naughton, Dollywood Parks & Resorts President. "Dolly's heart was as vast as the mountains she cherished, and her compassion knew no bounds. She inspired generations to dream boldly and love deeply. While we grieve her loss, we are honored and committed to carry her light forward. Her legacy will continue to shine in every melody sung, every smile shared and every dream kindled within these gates."
Parton even developed her own Broadway play. Her SongTeller Hotel and her Life of Many Colors Museum will be opening in Nashville later this year. Both will be housed under the same roof on Lower Broadway.
But perhaps Parton will be best remembered for her charity. Her Imagination Library gives millions of books to children for free in the pursuit of literacy for all.
"When I was growing up in the hills of East Tennessee, I knew my dreams would come true," she said on the program's website. "I know there are children in your community with their own dreams. They dream of becoming a doctor or an investor or a minister... The seeds of these dreams are often found in books."
