Dolly Parton, the US country music singer, songwriter and actress, died at age 80 after a brief battle with cancer, her family announced on social media on 25 August 2026. A team statement said she passed away at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center surrounded by loved ones.
Parton's six-decade career produced hits including Jolene, 9 to 5 and I Will Always Love You. A planned Broadway musical remains slated to open early next year, and a small private funeral service for immediate family is planned. Her death follows recent health issues and the death of her husband, Carl Dean.
Tributes poured in from across the music industry and politics, with Beyonce calling Parton one of one. US President Donald Trump ordered flags to be lowered for a week. Parton's philanthropic work, including the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, was widely cited as a core part of her legacy.