Dolly Parton, Queen of Country Music, Dies at 80
Country music icon dies peacefully in Nashville at 80 after nearly six decades of music, film and philanthropy
- Dolly Parton dies at age 80
- Country music icon leaves six-decade legacy
- Sold over 100 million records worldwide
Country music legend Dolly Parton has died at the age of 80, bringing an end to a remarkable career that spanned nearly six decades.
Parton died peacefully in Nashville on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, her family said in a statement. Her publicist did not disclose a cause of death.
Known for her powerful songwriting, distinctive voice, charisma and iconic style, Parton became one of the best-selling female artists of all time, selling more than 100 million records and winning 11 Grammy Awards, including a Lifetime Achievement Award.
Her catalogue included timeless hits such as “Jolene,” “Coat of Many Colors” and “I Will Always Love You,” the latter of which became a global hit after Whitney Houston recorded her own version.
Parton also made a successful transition into film and television, starring in movies including 9 to 5, Steel Magnolias and The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas. She also founded Dollywood, a major tourist attraction in her native Tennessee.
Born on January 19, 1946, in Tennessee, Parton grew up in a poor family of 12 children. She began writing songs as a child, learned to play guitar at eight and was performing on local radio by age 11.
At 13, she appeared at Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry before moving to the city after high school to pursue a career in country music.
Parton later became famous through her partnership with country singer Porter Wagoner before launching a highly successful solo career. She wrote “I Will Always Love You” as a farewell to Wagoner when she decided to pursue her own path.
Beyond music and entertainment, Parton was widely admired for her philanthropy. She donated $1 million to COVID-19 vaccine research at Vanderbilt University in 2020 and established literacy and scholarship programmes that benefited children and young people.
Her songwriting earned her numerous honours, including induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Parton once described her songs as her legacy, saying she hoped to be remembered as a good songwriter.
Her death has sparked an outpouring of tributes from musicians, political figures, fans and cultural institutions around the world.
