Dolly Parton, a towering figure in country music and a celebrated philanthropist, has died at the age of 80. Her passing was confirmed by her family and publicist. A statement was shared on Parton's official Instagram account via a reel posted by her nephew, Bryan Seaver.
Parton had been facing unspecified health challenges. In the months leading up to her death, she had postponed several concerts in Las Vegas due to "health challenges" requiring "a few procedures." She later shared updates that she was still recovering from these health issues.
Born in Sevierville, Tennessee, Parton rose to prominence in the 1960s and 1970s. Her debut album, "Hello, I'm Dolly," was released in 1967. She went on to pen and perform numerous iconic songs, including "Jolene," "I Will Always Love You," "9 to 5," and "Coat of Many Colors." Her most recent album, "Rockstar," reached No. 3 on the Billboard 200 and featured a collaboration with Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr on "Let It Be." As of 2023, Parton had sold over 100 million records worldwide.
Beyond her musical achievements, Parton was recognized for her distinctive personal style and her impactful philanthropic endeavors. Her signature look, often characterized by voluminous wigs and sparkling attire, was embraced with humor, frequently addressing societal judgments based on appearance. Her film career included roles in "9 to 5," "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas," and "Steel Magnolias."
Parton's accolades include 11 Grammy Awards, three Emmys, and nominations for two Academy Awards, six Golden Globes, and a Tony. However, she was perhaps most widely admired for her charitable work. Her most prominent initiative, Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, distributes books monthly to children from birth to kindergarten. She also made significant contributions to cancer research and publicly supported the LGBTQ community. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she donated $1 million towards Moderna vaccine research.
In 1966, Parton married Carl Dean. The couple did not have children but maintained close relationships with their nieces and nephews. Dean passed away on March 3, 2025, at the age of 82, leading Parton to temporarily step back from her career.
Parton's publicity team has announced that a small, private service will be held for her immediate family. They have encouraged fans to pay tribute on social media by tagging her official accounts or by making donations to the Imagination Library.