Dolly Parton, the beloved Queen of Country Music, passed away on August 25, 2026, at the age of 80. Her family confirmed the news through a video posted on her official Instagram account. The iconic singer, songwriter, actress, and philanthropist died peacefully in Nashville, Tennessee. Her nephew, Bryan Seaver, delivered the announcement on behalf of the Parton and Owens family.
Family Announces Parton’s Passing in Emotional Video
Bryan Seaver, who also served as Parton’s head of security for over two decades, shared the news in a video recorded years earlier at her request. “This video announcement is something Dolly asked of me years ago, before I fully absorbed it as a future reality,” Seaver said. “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”.
Seaver described the moment as “an honor that is mixed with absolute pride and great sadness”. He added, “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 for her to meet them in the heavens”.
The family did not disclose an official cause of death.
Official Statement from Parton’s Team
Parton’s public relations team released a full statement confirming her passing. The statement read: “Global icon and humanitarian, Dolly Parton, known to the world as a beloved singer, songwriter, philanthropist, actress, playwright, and author died peacefully today in Nashville, Tennessee. She was 80 years old”.
The statement continued: “A rhinestone life that shone bright enough for the world to see, Dolly will forever stand as an inspiration not only through her timeless music and prolific songwriting, but also her wit, warmth, and kindness that made us all feel like family. Dolly Parton’s legacy is one of love, compassion, and resilience. With a seven-decade career, she inspired multiple generations of artists and fans with her music and an unwavering commitment to making the world a better place. Her songs will continue to resonate with people of all ages, and her philanthropic work will have a lasting impact”.
Parton is preceded in death by her 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).
Health Struggles in Her Final Year
Parton’s health had been a concern for many months leading up to her death. In May 2026, she canceled her postponed Las Vegas residency, explaining that complications involving her immune and digestive systems required further treatment. She had been undergoing treatment for kidney stones for several years. “Lord, they dig more stones out of me a year than the rock quarry in Rockwood, Tennessee,” Parton said in a statement at the time. “But seriously, my immune system and my digestive system got all out of whack over the past couple three years, and they’re working real hard on rebuilding and strengthening those”.
Just days before her death, Parton spoke to People magazine on August 21, 2026, about her health. She revealed that she had not been the same since her husband Carl Dean died in March 2025. “As I’ve shared in video messages throughout the past year, I am dealing with some health issues that I just didn’t pay attention to when I was watching over Carl,” she said. “This isn’t the first time I’ve had to manage something like this. Back in the early ’80s, I was down for several months with female issues, and I was struggling with my weight at the time too, so it’s not like I haven’t been through hard times with my health”.
Earlier in August 2026, Parton missed the opening night of a new attraction at Dollywood after experiencing dizziness and dehydration, with doctors advising her against travel. “I’ve told you before, all my fans, that I’ve had a few little health issues, and sometimes I get a little dizzy and I get dehydrated,” she explained in a video to fans.
TMZ reported that Parton was admitted to Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville on Thursday night with kidney and autoimmune issues. She died in the hospital on the morning of August 25.
A Seven-Decade Career of Unmatched Success
Parton’s career spanned more than six decades. She sold more than 100 million records worldwide, making her one of the best-selling musical performers of all time. She won 11 Grammy Awards and was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
She wrote and recorded some of the most famous songs in music history, including “Jolene,” “9 to 5,” and “I Will Always Love You”. Her songwriting ability was legendary, with her compositions crossing genres and generations.
Parton also found success on the silver screen. She starred in films like “9 to 5,” for which she wrote and sang the theme song, “Steel Magnolias,” and “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas”. She earned an Oscar nomination for the title song from “9 to 5”.
A Shrewd Businesswoman and Philanthropist
Beyond music and acting, Parton was a successful businesswoman. She amassed an estimated $650 million fortune and maintained creative control in a male-dominated industry. She presided over an entertainment empire that included the Dollywood theme park in Tennessee.
Her philanthropic work was equally impressive. She launched the Dollywood Foundation to provide poverty relief and fund educational programs in her native East Tennessee. Her Imagination Library program has provided hundreds of millions of free books to children around the world.
Parton was also a vocal supporter of the LGBTQ community, advocating for marriage equality and speaking up in defense of transgender people. “I keep saying: If you’re the fine Christian that you think you are, why are you judging people,” she once said. “That’s God’s job”.
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Tributes Pour in From Around the World
Following the news of Parton’s death, tributes began flooding in from celebrities, fans, and public figures.
Kacey Musgraves was among the first country stars to pay tribute. She wrote that Parton’s death “really hurts” and that the world “feels a lot less sparkly all of a sudden”. “So glad she’s with her Carl Dean,” Musgraves added. “No one talk to me today”.
Lily Tomlin, who starred alongside Parton in the 1980 film “9 to 5,” shared a black-and-white photo of the pair and wrote, “No words”.
Jamie Lee Curtis shared a picture of Parton, writing: “Thank you, Dolly. For all of it”. Julianne Hough commented, “We will always love you, Dolly”.
President Donald Trump requested American flags across the country be flown at half-staff for one week in her honor. “This is a true loss for millions of people. There has never been anyone like her, and never will,” he wrote.
Family Asks for Donations to Imagination Library
Parton’s family announced that a small, private service will be held for immediate family. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Fans are encouraged to pay tribute by tagging @DollyParton on social media or leaving a message on her website.
“Dolly opened doors, not just for me, but for her entire family to reach the potential we didn’t even know was possible,” Seaver said in his announcement. “May God bless Dolly Parton, and may God bless you all. She will always love you”.
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