Legendary American singer-songwriter and country music icon Dolly Rebecca Parton has died at the age of 80.
Parton’s nephew, Bryan Seaver, announced her death on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, in a video posted to the singer’s official Instagram account. Seaver, who served as Parton’s longtime head of security, said the announcement was something she had asked him to make years earlier.
The family has not publicly disclosed a cause of death.
“My name is Bryan 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,” Seaver said in the video.
Born on January 19, 1946, in Tennessee, Parton built a career spanning nearly six decades and became one of the most celebrated figures in country music.
Widely known as the “Queen of Country,” Parton released her debut album, Hello, I’m Dolly, in 1967 and went on to record dozens of albums and write thousands of songs.
Her songwriting catalogue includes some of country music’s most enduring songs, including “Jolene,” “9 to 5,” “Coat of Many Colors” and “I Will Always Love You.” The latter became a global phenomenon when Whitney Houston recorded her version for The Bodyguard soundtrack.
Parton sold more than 100 million records worldwide and earned 11 Grammy Awards, along with numerous other honours. She was also inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Beyond music, Parton was a successful actress, businesswoman and philanthropist. She starred in films including 9 to 5, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, Steel Magnolias, Rhinestone, Straight Talk and Joyful Noise.
Her 2023 album Rockstar, featuring rock classics and collaborations with major artists, became her highest-charting album on the Billboard 200, reaching No. 3.
Parton’s influence extended far beyond country music. She wrote more than 3,000 songs and used her fame and fortune to support numerous philanthropic causes, most notably childhood literacy through her Imagination Library. Her charitable work also included support for education, disaster relief and medical research.
Her death marks the end of an era for one of the most recognisable and influential artists in American music history. Through her music, acting, business ventures and philanthropy, Parton built a legacy that transcended generations and genres.
