Country music icon Dolly Parton has died at the age of 80, her family confirmed on Tuesday.
Her nephew, Brian Seaver, revealed the sad news in a video on social media.
“My name is Brin Seaver, son of Cassie Parton, and I’m representing the Parton and Owens family today announcing the passing of my aunt, Dolly Rebecca Parton Dean, Sister, Sis and Granny to one generation and Gigi to the next,” he says in the video.
“This video announcement is something Dolly asked of me years ago, before I fully absorbed it as a future reality. As her head of security for more than two decades, a role my father Larry held before me, I have imagined the heaviness of this moment but haven’t truly felt it til now.”
Dolly Parton’s remarkable career
Dolly Parton grew up in a poor Appalachian family as one of 12 children and began performing at a young age. After moving to Nashville following high school, she rose to fame through her work with Porter Wagoner in 1967. She went on to become one of the most recognizable figures in country music.
Over the course of her career, Dolly Parton wrote more than 3,000 songs, including classics like Jolene, Coat of Many Colors and 9 to 5. She achieved 25 No. 1 singles on the Billboard country charts and earned numerous Grammy Awards. Her duet with Kenny Rogers, Islands in the Stream, remains one of the most celebrated duets in music history.
Beyond music, she built a successful acting career, founded Dollywood and became known for her philanthropy, particularly through her Imagination Library, which provides free books to children.
Parton was married to Carl Dean from 1966 until his death in 2025. The couple had no children and largely kept their relationship private.
From her humble beginnings in Appalachia to becoming a global music and entertainment icon, Parton leaves behind a legacy that reaches far beyond country music.
Rest in peace, Dolly. The world has truly lost one of its most shining stars.
