Country music legend Dolly Parton, whose career spanned six decades, died on Tuesday at the age of 80. Her death was announced by her family.
Parton became one of the biggest names in country music, while also finding success in films, television and business.
She released nearly 50 studio albums, sold more than 100 million records and won 10 Grammy Awards.
Her nephew Bryan Seaver announced her death in a pre-recorded video shared on social media. He remembered her with pride and sadness, saying she had lived her life in the light.
Dolly Parton had health issues before her death
Parton had faced health problems in the months before her death. In October last year, her sister Freida asked people to pray for her, raising concerns about her health. Parton later reassured fans that she was fine.
In May, Parton said she was responding well to treatment. She also spoke about long-standing kidney stone problems and said issues with her immune and digestive systems had affected her health.
She had to cancel planned performances in Las Vegas because she was not well enough to perform.
Tributes pour in after Dolly Parton’s death
Tributes from celebrities and public figures poured in after news of her death. President Donald Trump called her death a “true loss for millions” and said the US flag would be lowered across the country in her honour.
Singer Linda Ronstadt, who worked with Parton and Emmylou Harris, remembered her as a close friend and praised their musical partnership.
Reba McEntire also paid tribute, remembering Parton for her music, generosity and huge heart.
Actress Julia Roberts, who starred with Parton in Steel Magnolias, described her as a “magical and joyous human”.
Sally Field also remembered Parton, saying there would never be another like her.
The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce called Parton a “once-in-a-lifetime talent”. Flowers were placed at her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, while New York’s Empire State Building planned a tribute with pink lights.
Dolly Parton won 10 Grammys during her six-decade career
Parton began her country music career with her 1967 debut album Hello, I’m Dolly. She went on to release nearly 50 studio albums and sell more than 100 million records.
She won 10 Grammys from 55 nominations and became one of country music’s most successful singer-songwriters.
Her biggest hits included Jolene, 9 to 5, and I Will Always Love You. The latter became a worldwide hit again when Whitney Houston recorded it for the 1992 film The Bodyguard.
Parton also holds a Guinness World Record for the longest span of No. 1 hits on the country charts by a female artist, covering 43 years from 1977 to 2020.
From rural Tennessee to global stardom
Born on January 19, 1946, Parton grew up in poverty in rural Tennessee as the fourth of 12 children.
She began writing songs at a young age and moved to Nashville in 1966. There, she joined country singer Porter Wagoner’s television show, which helped launch her career.
Her first No. 1 country hit came in 1970 with Joshua. Three years later, Jolene made her a household name.
Parton later moved into Hollywood, making her major film debut in the 1980 comedy 9 to 5. She went on to appear in films including The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas and Steel Magnolias.
From music to business and philanthropy
Parton was also known for her business skills and philanthropy. In the 1980s, she bought a stake in a theme park in Tennessee that was later renamed Dollywood.
She launched the Dollywood Foundation in 1988 to support education and improve graduation rates in her home region.
Her philanthropic work continued for decades. Through her Imagination Library, millions of books were distributed to children.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Parton donated $1 million to medical research at Vanderbilt University. The research later helped support the development of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.
In 2022, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez honoured her with a $100 million Courage and Civility Award, with the money to be donated to charities of her choice.
Dolly Parton’s husband died in 2025
Parton’s husband of nearly 60 years, Carl Dean, died in March 2025 at the age of 82. The couple had no children.
Parton had previously said that not having children was a conscious choice and one she did not regret.
The couple first met in 1964 after Parton moved to Nashville and married two years later. Dean largely stayed away from the public spotlight throughout their marriage.
Parton leaves behind a six-decade legacy in music, film, business and philanthropy, with generations of fans remembering her for both her songs and her generosity.
