Country music legend Dolly Parton has died at the age of 80, her family and public relations team have announced.
Parton died peacefully in Nashville, Tennessee, after a career spanning more than seven decades, according to a statement released by her public relations team.
Her nephew, Brian Seaver, announced the death in a video shared on social media, saying the family’s sadness was for themselves rather than the late singer, whom he said was “in the arms of Jesus.”
Parton was remembered in the statement as a global icon, humanitarian, singer, songwriter, actress, playwright and author whose career and philanthropic work touched generations around the world.
“Dolly’s legacy is one of love, compassion, and resilience,” the statement said, adding that her music, wit, warmth and kindness made people “feel like family.”
Parton was born in 1946 into a poor farming family in Tennessee and was the fourth of 12 children. Her father, Robert Lee Parton, was a tobacco farmer, while her mother, Avie Lee, was known for singing folk songs.
She began singing in church at the age of six and was performing on local television before her teenage years. At 13, she made her debut at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, setting the stage for a remarkable career in country music.
The singer became known for timeless songs including “Jolene,” “Coat of Many Colors” and “I Will Always Love You.” She sold more than 100 million records worldwide and wrote more than 3,000 songs.
Although widely celebrated as a performer, Parton often described herself primarily as a songwriter, once saying, “It’s my way of expressing myself. It’s my therapy.”
Beyond music, Parton established herself as a successful businesswoman, actress and philanthropist, using her distinctive wit and personality to build a career that lasted more than 60 years.
Parton was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Carl Thomas Dean, who died in 2025, as well as her parents.
Tributes have begun pouring in from across the entertainment industry.
Actor Keke Palmer described herself as “devastated” while sharing a photo of herself with Parton. The pair starred together in the 2012 musical film Joyful Noise.
British singer Paloma Faith also paid tribute, describing Parton as “one of the greatest ever to do it” and thanking her for her inspiration.
Actor Jamie Lee Curtis described Parton as a hero and “a great example for us all.”
US President Donald Trump also mourned the country music icon, announcing that American flags across the United States would be lowered for one week beginning Tuesday evening.
“This is a true loss for millions of people. There has never been anyone like her, and never will,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
He added: “Rest in Peace, Dolly! The World loves you.”
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