JUST IN: Country music icon Dolly Parton dies at 80
Country music legend Dolly Parton has died at the age of 80, according to multiple reports.
Parton, one of the most celebrated singer-songwriters in country music history, was reportedly pronounced dead on Tuesday. Her nephew, Brian Seaver, announced her death on Instagram, describing the moment as one filled with pride and deep sadness.
Born on January 19, 1946, in rural Tennessee, Parton was the fourth of 12 children. She grew up in poverty but began performing as a child before moving to Nashville shortly after graduating from high school in 1964 to pursue a career in music.
Her career spanned more than six decades, during which she sold over 100 million records worldwide. She became known as the “Queen of Country” with popular songs including “Jolene,” “9 to 5” and “I Will Always Love You.”
Parton released her debut album, Hello, I’m Dolly, in 1967 and later gained wider recognition through The Porter Wagoner Show. She eventually established herself as a solo performer, while “I Will Always Love You” later became a global hit after Whitney Houston recorded it for The Bodyguard soundtrack.
She also built a successful acting career, making her film debut in 9 to 5 alongside Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin. She later starred in films including The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas and Steel Magnolias, while also developing Dollywood, a major theme park in Tennessee.
Beyond entertainment, Parton was widely recognised for her philanthropy. Her Dollywood Foundation’s Imagination Library promotes childhood literacy, while she also supported medical research and disaster relief, including a $1 million donation towards COVID-19 vaccine research.
Parton received numerous honours during her career, including 11 Grammy Awards. Her death comes about 17 months after that of her husband of nearly 60 years, Carl Dean, who died in March 2025 at the age of 82.
