Legendary singer-songwriter Dolly Parton has died at the age of 80 after a brief battle with cancer, her publicist confirmed.
Parton passed away peacefully at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville, Tennessee, surrounded by loved ones. The news was first announced by her family, with further details later provided by her representatives.
In a statement, her publicist Marcel Pariseau said: “Our beloved Dolly Parton spent her life and career bringing joy, laughter, hope and integrity into everything she touched. Her unmatched generosity reached the lives of countless people whom she would never meet, yet she was always there to offer a helping hand.”
The statement highlighted her philanthropy, including the hundreds of millions of books donated through her Imagination Library and her support for research that contributed to lifesaving vaccines. It described her unconditional love for people as the guiding force behind her lasting impact.
Parton had faced health challenges in recent months. She canceled appearances due to issues including kidney stones and problems with her immune and digestive systems, which she said worsened after caring for her husband, Carl Dean, who died in March 2025. She was admitted to the cancer center on Friday before her death on Tuesday.
Over a career spanning more than six decades, Parton sold over 100 million records and became one of the most beloved figures in country music and popular culture. Iconic songs such as “Jolene,” “I Will Always Love You,” “Coat of Many Colors” and “9 to 5” cemented her status as a global star, songwriter and actress.
Tributes have poured in from across the entertainment world and beyond, celebrating her music, wit, generosity and ability to connect with people from all walks of life.
