Dolly Parton Dies at 80, Family Announces
Country music icon's passing follows recent health struggles and ongoing career projects, including a planned museum and unreleased music.
Carla Rooney
Dolly Parton's family announced the country music legend's death on Tuesday.
Marcel Pariseau, Parton's publicist, confirmed her passing at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Centre; she had bravely faced a brief battle with cancer.
A small, private funeral service for immediate family will reportedly honor Parton's final request.
Karla Tracey, portraying Parton's character Doralee in '9 To 5: The Musical', announced the passing to her audience, breaking the news publicly.
US President Donald Trump declared flags would be lowered across America in Parton’s honor.
Parton launched her singing career at age six, making her debut at the Grand Ole Opry by 13.
The country music singer had postponed her Las Vegas residency from December 2025 due to health challenges, it is understood.
Parton gave her final interview to People magazine, published on August 21, where she discussed her recent health difficulties.
The star said she had not paid close attention to her health while caring for her late husband, Carl Dean, who died in March 2025 at 82.
Parton also recalled a period in the 1980s when she was “down for several months with female issues.”
Despite her health struggles, Parton remained active, promoting the My Life of Many Colors Museum in an Instagram video on August 12.
The museum chronicles her rise from humble beginnings to global icon and philanthropist.
Parton authored hundreds of tracks, including "Jolene", "Coat of Many Colors", and "I Will Always Love You".
She established the educational nonprofit Imagination Library to deliver free books to children in Tennessee and received an honorary doctorate in 2009.
An unreleased song titled 'My Place In History' remains in a locked box at Dollywood's DreamMore Resort in Tennessee, reportedly set for release on her 100th birthday in 20 years.
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