Country music icon Dolly Parton has died at the age of 80, according to a statement from her family and a video message shared by her nephew, Brian Seaver, on social media.
In the emotional video, Seaver said: “Sadness lies with us, not with Dolly. Dolly lived in the light and is in the arms of Jesus, surely.”
A statement from Parton’s public relations team confirmed that the legendary singer, songwriter, actress, philanthropist and author died peacefully in Nashville, Tennessee.
“Global icon and humanitarian, Dolly Parton, known to the world as a beloved singer, songwriter, philanthropist, actress, playwright, and author died peacefully today in Nashville, Tennessee. She was 80 years old,” the statement said.
The statement described Parton as an inspiration to generations of fans and artists, praising her timeless music, songwriting, warmth, humor and humanitarian work.
“Dolly will forever stand as an inspiration,” the statement said, adding that her legacy would continue through her music and philanthropic efforts.
A Remarkable Beginning
Born in 1946, Parton grew up in a poor farming family in the Tennessee Smoky Mountains. She was the fourth of 12 children and was raised in a one-room cabin along the Little Pigeon River.
Her father, Robert Lee Parton Sr., was a tobacco farmer, while her mother, Avie Lee, filled the home with music and folk songs. Parton was also influenced by her aunt, who played guitar and wrote songs, as well as other relatives who encouraged her early musical ambitions.
Parton began singing in her local church at the age of six, where her grandfather served as pastor. Before she reached her teenage years, she was already performing on local television.
At just 13, she achieved one of her earliest major milestones when she performed at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville.
A Seven-Decade Legacy
Parton went on to become one of the most influential figures in country music, writing and recording countless hit songs while building a career that extended into film, television, publishing and business.
Beyond entertainment, she became widely admired for her philanthropy and charitable work, including the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, which has provided millions of free books to children.
Parton was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Carl Thomas Dean, who died in 2025, as well as her parents, Avie Lee and Robert Lee Parton Sr.
Her death marks the end of an extraordinary seven-decade career that made her one of the most recognizable and beloved figures in American popular culture.
Her music, generosity and unmistakable personality will continue to influence generations to come.
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