Country legend Dolly Parton dies, aged 80
25 August 2026, 19:07 | Updated: 2 September 2026, 06:57
Dolly Parton was one of the greatest singers and songwriters in music history.
Listen to this article
Loading audio...
Dolly Parton has died at the age of 80.
The legendary musician and songwriter passsed away today (August 25) shortly after being diagnosed with cancer, her representatives confirmed.
- 'Jolene' by Dolly Parton: The making of the pleading country classic
- Dolly Parton releases tearjerking cover of Simon & Garfunkel's 'Bridge Over Troubled Water'
- Listen to the Gold Radio Greats Live Playlist on Global Player
“Our beloved Dolly Parton spent her life and career bringing joy, laughter, hope and integrity into everything she touched," a statement read.
"Her unmatched generosity reached the lives of countless people whom she would never meet, yet she was always there to offer a helping hand."
It continued: "Whether it be the hundreds of millions of books donated through her invaluable Imagination Library or funding research that helped create a lifesaving vaccine used around the world, Dolly’s unconditional love for all people was the guiding force for her lasting impact.
"After bravely facing a brief battle with cancer, Dolly departed her Earthly life today at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center surrounded by loved ones."
Parton was not just one of the all-time great country performers, but an acclaimed songwriter and renowned philanthropist.
Dolly Rebecca Parton was born on January 19, 1946, in a one-room cabin on the banks of the Little Pigeon River in Pittman Center, Tennessee, who moved to Locust Ridge as a young girl.
She graduated from Sevier County High School in 1964 and moved to Nashville the next day.
Dolly gave performances at the Church of God in Cleveland, Tennessee as a 6 year old, graduating to local radio and TV before recording the single 'Puppy Love' aged just 13.
That was the same year she made her bow at the Grand Ole Opry, being introduced by Johnny Cash.
"Her daddy’s listening to the radio at home and she's gonna be in real trouble if she doesn't sing tonight, so let;s bring her out here." Cash said.
Dolly later said of her bow: "As I heard the band play my introduction, I lifted my head and looked up toward the lights. I smiled at the people in the balcony and then let ‘er rip."
And that was the brave approach she took through her whole career, first as a songwriter for hire, before establishing herself as performer with the songs 'Dumb Blonde' and 'Something Fishy'.
Jolene - Dolly Parton | The Midnight Special
She released debut album Hello, I'm Dolly in September 1967, and also became a regular performer on The Porter Wagoner Show.
Parton and Wagoner formed a musical relationship that lasted for a dozen records over seven odd years.
She continued to release solo records concurrently with her work with Porter, but its was after their separation that her career went stratospheric.
In fact, 'I Will Always Love You' was written as a parting message to Porter. It's been suggested that 'Jolene' was written on the same day. If it wasn't quite the same 24 hours, it was certainly in the same short period of time.
Dolly Parton - I Will Always Love You (Live)
Both songs appeared on 1974's Jolene album – already Dolly's 13th solo record.
And she never really stopped. Dolly released an album every year or two throughout her career, mixing up pure country with other genres.
2023's Rockstar found her experimenting with a rockier sound and collaborating with a host of special guests, showing just how broad her influence was: Richie Sambora, Sting, Steve Perry, Ann Wilson John Fogerty, Kid Rock, Steven Tyler, Stevie Nicks, Peter Frampton, Joan Jett, Miley Cyrus, Pink and Brandi Carlile.
Parton already had a career as an actress, with a sprinkling of notable big and small screen credits.
Dolly Parton - 9 To 5 (Official Video)
Worthy of mention are 1980 smash hit 9 to 5, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, Rhinestone, Steel Magnolias, Straight Talk, as wall as smaller but still signifiant parts in The Beverly Hillbillies, Frank McKlusky, C.I., Miss Congeniality 2: Armed and Fabulous and Gnomeo & Julie.
Beyond her career in entertainment, Dolly was renowned for her charity work.
Her Dolly Parton Imagination Library had donated over 100 million books to children around the world by 2018 to boost literacy, while the Dollywood Foundation has supported numerous important causes, including the development of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.
Despite all the drama in her music, her personal life was blessed with loving stability.
Dolly was only 18 when she met the then 21-year-old Carl Dean outside the Wishy Washy Laundromat in Nashville on the day Parton first moved to the city.
Within two years they eloped to Georgia to marry, against the wishes of Dolly's record label.
"My first thought was 'I'm gonna marry that girl,'" said Dean of that first meeting.
"My second thought was, 'Lord she’s good lookin.' And that was the day my life began. I wouldn't trade the last 50 years for nothing on this earth."
Dean was happy to stay out the public eye, staying in Nashville to run his asphalt company and only appearing once with his other half at a public event – a BMI dinner in 1966.
Carl died in 2025 at the age of 82. The couple never had children, though they helped raised their many nieces, nephews great nieces and great nephews, while Dolly was also a godparent to Miley Cyrus.
"Carl and I spent many wonderful years together," Dolly said on his passing.
"Words can't do justice to the love we shared for over 60 years. Thank you for your prayers and sympathy."
Dolly Parton - Light of a Clear Blue Morning ft. Lainey Wilson, Miley Cyrus, Queen Latifah & Reba
She later released a song in his memory.
"Carl and I fell in love when I was 18 and he was 23, and like all great love stories, they never end," Dolly said.
"They live in memory and in song, and I dedicate this to him. 'If You Hadn’t Been There'."
In 2025, Dolly was forced to pull out of a number of live shows due to ill health and further concerts were cancelled the following year.
