Dolly PartonOne of the most iconic and beloved names in the world of country music and popular culture, Dolly Parton, has passed away at the age of 80.
News of Parton's death was announced on social media earlier this morning by her nephew Bryan Seaver, who stated, "this video announcement is something Dolly asked of me years ago, before I fully absorbed it as a future reality."
"As her head of security for more than two decades, a role my father Larry held before me, I have imagined the heaviness of this moment, but haven’t truly felt it until now,” he explained. “It is an honour, an honour that is mixed with absolute pride and great sadness.
"But sadness lies with us, not with Dolly."
Born in Tennessee in 1946, Parton grew up as the fourth of 12 children, crediting her musical life to her mother's influence. She began a music career at the age of ten, appearing on radio and television programs around the Tennessee area, and releasing her first single at the age of 13.
Encouraged by advice given to her by Johnny Cash, Parton first found wider fame as a songwriter for artists such as Bill Phillips and Skeeter Davis, before teaming up with Porter Wagoner in the late '60s.
While successful, her early solo works – including formative records such as Hello, I'm Dolly and Just Because I'm Woman – were overlooked by the mainstream charts, keeping her influence solely relegated to the country world.
That changed in 1973 when her single Jolene topped the US Country chart, and impacted the Billboard Hot 100 at a respectable No. 60.
Another of her most famed songs, I Will Always Love You (which has long been rumoured to have been penned the same night at Jolene), would top the Country chart the following year, with the track written about her professional relationship with Wagoner. In 1992, Whitney Houston would take the song to the top of the charts, winning two Grammys, and even winning over Parton as her preferred version of the track.
1977's Here You Come Again would hit No. 3 on the national charts, and by the 1980s she was hitting No. 1, taking out the top spot with 1980's 9 To 5, and 1983's duet with Kenny Rogers, Islands In The Stream.
Alongside dabbling in an acting career from time to time (including the likes of 1980's 9 To 5 and 1982's The Best Little Whorehouse In Texas), Parton paired her jovial “backwoods Barbie” image with the role of highly-influential figure in the world of music, helping pave the way for other pop-influenced country artists, including the likes of Shania Twain, and even her own goddaughter, Miley Cyrus.
Regarded highly for her philanthropic efforts, Parton's focus on improving the literacy of children all around the world, with her Imagination Library providing books to young readers. Launched in 1995, it sent out its 100 millionth book back in 2018.
"Dolly opened doors not just for me, but for her entire family to reach the potential we didn't even know was possible," Seaver said in his video statement. "Dolly also opened doors for generations of singers, songwriters, musicians, and dreamers from every walk of life and across every continent.
"By her example, we believed that anything was possible. She never saw a door she couldn't open, and the doors she opened made and changed history. My family and I have shared a lifetime of beautiful memories with Dolly, but so have you.
"She has always been on your television, your record player, your CD, and on your phone playlist, becoming an extended part of your family, whether you liked it or not."
In 2025, Parton announced that a number of "ongoing health issues" necessitated the cancellation of a Las Vegas Residency, with the musician assuring fans she "ain't dead yet", as she invoked her trademark blend of humour.
“As I joked with them, it must be time for my 100,000-mile check up, although it’s not the usual trip to see my plastic surgeon!” she quipped at the time.
While no cause of death has been provided as yet, People have noted that Parton was hospitalised just a few days prior to her passing.
"At the end of the day, few artists define Country Music better than the one-word, Dolly," said Country Music Association CEO, Sarah Trahern in a statement. "Over her decades-long career, I worked with her on a number of programs.
"She was always the most professional in every setting, often walking off the bus in heels and hair and makeup ready to go, before expected and before the cast and crew. However, along with the music, our biggest loss today is her work as a philanthropist and the genuine difference she has made in people’s lives throughout the world. There will only ever be one Dolly.”
Parton's family have noted a private funeral will be held for the late icon in due course, though there is currently no word as to whether a public memorial will take place.
"Dolly called me and said she wants to rest in a beautiful bed of plush cotton because after a life wearing heavy rhinestones, she finally deserves to be comfortable and have some rest," Seaver concluded in his statement.
"Rest in peace, Aunt Dolly, and Granny, Gigi. May God bless Dolly Parton, and may God bless you all. She will always love you."
