Country music legend Dolly Parton dies aged 80
Country music legend Dolly Parton has died aged 80, her family have revealed.
Born in 1946, the iconic American singer-songwriter, actress and humanitarian became one of the most beloved entertainment figures in the world.
Widely considered to be the Queen of Country, Parton was known for her glamorous outfits featuring thousands of rhinestones, her impressive wigs, heavy makeup and form-fitting jumpsuits.
Dolly wrote over 3,000 songs throughout her life and sold more than 100 million records globally.
Some of her biggest hits include 9 to 5, Jolene, I Will Always Love You and Coat of Many Colours.
“Sister, sis and Granny to one generation and Gigi to the next.
“This video announcement is something Dolly asked of me years ago, before I fully absorbed it as a future reality.
“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.”
Mr Seaver added: “It is an honour, an honour 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 US singer songwriter was forced to postpone her Las Vegas residency at the end of last year as she dealt with unspecified health issues.
She later revealed that she needed "a few procedures" to address ongoing "health challenges", while her sister, Freida Parton, sparked concern after asking fans to keep Dolly in their prayers.
"Last night, I was up all night praying for my sister, Dolly," Freida Parton wrote on Facebook in October. "Many of you know she hasn't been feeling her best lately."
"Godspeed, my sissy Dolly. We all love you!"
The message prompted an outpouring of concern from shocked fans on social media, leading Freida to clarify that she had not intended to suggest her sister was seriously ill.
"I want to clear something up. I didn't mean to scare anyone or make it sound so serious when asking for prayers for Dolly.
"She's been a little under the weather, and I simply asked for prayers because I believe so strongly in the power of prayer. It was nothing more than a little sister asking for prayers for her big sister."
Parton’s husband Carl Dean, to whom she was married 59 years, died last year.
The musician wrote I Will Always Love You – one of the defining love songs of the 20th century – as a goodbye to her former creative partner Porter Wagoner, who hired her to be his sidekick on The Porter Wagoner Show and helped her land a record deal.
The song became a blockbuster hit when Whitney Houston recorded a cover for the 1992 film The Bodyguard.
Following her death, Dolly Parton’s PR team issued the following statement: "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.
"Dolly 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 father, Robert Lee Parton, Sr. (1921 – 2000).
"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."
Tributes have since flooded in for the country music legend, from politicians to authors, Hollywood actors and actresses.
Miley Cyrus, who is Dolly Parton’s goddaughter, said the world had lost “the purest soul”.
She posted on X: “I can’t believe we just lost the purest soul. Rest in Glory, Dolly. My heart aches.”
Actress Keke Palmer who starred in the 2012 musical Joyful Noise with Parton said: "I'm devastated. Truly".
British singer Paloma Faith also paid tribute, saying: "Rest in peace wonderful Dolly Parton. You were one of the greatest ever to do it!... Thank you for the inspiration and may you be singing in heaven with all the greats."
Actress Jamie Lee Curtis described Parton as a hero who "is a great example for us all".
Jo Whiley introduced her BBC Radio 2 evening show by playing I Will Always Love You, Jolene and 9 To 5 in tribute to Parton after the singer’s death was announced in the 7pm news headlines.
Whiley said she was “taken aback” by the news and “so sad”, adding that Parton’s 2014 Glastonbury legends slot was “one of the most incredible performances”.
“I don’t think I’ve ever seen that field fuller,” Whiley said, adding that she interviewed Parton at the festival and recalled “she was so kind and so lovely”.
US President Donald Trump said he would honour Parton by lowering American flags throughout the US for one week.
In a post on Truth Social, he said: "This is a true loss for millions of people. There has never been anyone like her, and never will."
"Rest in Peace, Dolly! The World loves you," he wrote.
Harry Potter author JK Rowling said Dolly Parton had made “the best contribution to child literacy ever made by a celebrity”.
In a post on X, Rowling wrote: “Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library was the best contribution to child literacy ever made by a celebrity.
“Our paths crossed once, in the 90s, backstage at a talk show, and I was completely tongue-tied and starstruck.
“RIP Dolly. You were a complete, irreplaceable one-off.”
Parton’s film career began in 1980 when she starred in 9 To 5 with Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda.
Her theme song for the movie became her first number one single on the Hot 100 chart in the US.
Her other notable film appearances include The Best Little Whorehouse In Texas alongside Burt Reynolds, Rhinestone with Sylvester Stallone, and Steel Magnolias with Julia Roberts and Sally Field.
Her 1973 track Jolene is widely considered to be one of country music’s greatest songs.
It was covered by Beyonce on her 2024 album Cowboy Carter, which won the album of the year Grammy.
Parton was born in a single-room cabin in Locust Ridge, Tennessee, in 1946, as the fourth of 12 children.
She began her musical journey at the age of six, singing in the local church where her grandfather was the pastor.
By the age of 13, she had reached the pinnacle of country music success – an appearance at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee.