American country music legend Dolly Parton has died at the age of 80, bringing an end to one of the most celebrated careers in modern entertainment.
Parton’s death was announced on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, by her nephew, Bryan Seaver. Multiple major news organisations have confirmed her death.
Born in Tennessee, Parton rose from humble beginnings to become an international music icon whose career stretched across more than six decades.
She became renowned not only for her distinctive voice but also for her songwriting, with classics including “Jolene” and “I Will Always Love You.”
Her music career produced more than 100 million record sales and earned her numerous honours, including Grammy Awards and inductions into major music halls of fame.
Parton also enjoyed a successful career in film and television, appearing in productions including 9 to 5, while her business ventures included Dollywood, the Tennessee theme park that became one of the state’s major attractions.
Her influence extended well beyond entertainment.
Through her Imagination Library, Parton supported children’s literacy by providing books to young children, while she also contributed to medical research and other charitable causes.
Her death marks the loss of one of America’s most recognisable cultural figures, whose music, philanthropy and public persona connected generations of audiences around the world.