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The legendary singer-songwriter Dolly Parton has died at 80 years old.

Just days before her death, she was admitted to the hospital on Friday, Aug. 21, according to People. Parton died there just four days later.

Her death was announced by her nephew Bryan Seaver in an Instagram video posted on Tuesday, Aug. 25, captioned, “A message from the family of Dolly Parton.”

“This video announcement is something Dolly asked of me years ago, before I fully absorbed it as a future reality,” he said. “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.”

The “Jolene” singer was hospitalized the same day she told People she was struggling with her health.

“As I’ve shared in video messages throughout the past year, I am dealing with some health issues that I just didn’t pay attention to when I was watching over Carl,” Parton said at the time. “You know, this isn’t the first time I’ve had to manage something like this. Back in the early ‘80s, I was down for several months with female issues, and I was struggling with my weight at the time too, so it’s not like I haven’t been through hard times with my health.”

“It’s not like I haven’t been through hard times with my health. But I think because we live in a 24/7 world with social media, everything gets magnified in ways it wasn’t years ago,” the Steel Magnolias star continued. “I used to joke that I was the Queen of the Tabloids, but now I guess I can say I’m the Queen of Social Media AI! Seriously, though, even though I’m still healin’, I’m still workin’! You know me — as I’ve often said — I’ve dreamed myself into a corner and I still have so many things I want to achieve, so I’m gonna keep on working as long as I can to see everything come to life.”

It is currently unknown why Parton was hospitalized days before her death.

More country music stars are paying homage to the woman who earned the title of “Queen of Country” throughout her six decades of success. Blake Shelton is the latest one, sharing a sweet photo of himself with Dolly Parton while on the set of The Voice.

You would think a country star like Shelton would have met the “Jolene” singer multiple times, but that simply wasn’t the case. At least, not in a meaningful way. In the Instagram post, he shared that he had “only got to spend any real time with Dolly when Gwen and I got to work with her on The Voice.”

His tribute follows the likes of Kimberly Williams-Paisley, Kelly Clarkson, and Reba McEntire. Like all of them, he has some of the sweetest things to say, making it clear that the country music icon was everything that she always appeared to be. He shared, “It was like being with the funnest, most loving, most caring and closest member of your family.”

It’s a loss that people around the world are facing, and he empathizes with fellow Dolly fans. Users took to the Instagram comments to share their thoughts and feelings, with one person saying, “Yes Blake she was an icon and will be missed for sure!❤️”

While many responded with just heart and broken-heart emojis, another user shared, “I can’t wrap my brain around this…so devastating.”

A third followed with: “This is a big loss she was. I’m very sad.💔 you guys were lucky that you got to meet her.♥️”

The “9-to-5” singer passed away on Aug. 25 at the age of 80, shocking the entire world, even with her ongoing health problems. While many had feared for her health last year after she postponed and then canceled her Las Vegas residency, she made it clear that she was still kicking. Parton had shared just recently that her health had declined since the passing of her husband, Colin Dean, but she made it clear that she still had “many things I want to achieve.”

So far, no official cause of death has been given, but her family stated that she passed away peacefully. Our hearts are heavy with this loss.

Dolly Parton celebrated her 80th birthday just six months before she passed away on August 25, 2026.

To commemorate the milestone, Parton did what she did best: recorded a song. But not just any song. Parton re-recorded her 1977 classic “Light of a Clear Blue Morning,” which also happened to be celebrating its 50th anniversary.

Related: Dolly Parton Had Several Tattoos Fans Never Saw — Here’s Why She Had Them

Parton was also joined by four of her famous friends on the record — Lainey Wilson, Reba McEntire, Queen Latifah, and her goddaughter, Miley Cyrus. David Foster also accompanied the music legends on the piano.

A lifelong philanthropist, Parton made sure the proceeds from the song went to a good cause.

 “I hope this song brings you lots of love & light,” Parton wrote before adding, “All net proceeds from this recording and music video will benefit pediatric cancer research at the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt in Nashville, Tenn.”

“Light of a Clear Blue Morning” first appeared on her 1977 album “New Harvest… First Gathering,” and peaked at No. 11 on the U.S. country charts. Parton went on to re-record the song for her 1992 movie, Straight Talk, and again in 2023 for her album, “For God and Country.”

Clearly, the song was one of Parton’s favorites, and Rolling Stone ranked it as Parton’s fourth-best song, right behind “I Will Always Love You,” Coat of Many Colors, and “Jolene.”

“I wrote ‘Light of a Clear Blue Morning’ during a season when I was searching for hope, and 50 years later that message still feels just as true,” Parton said in a statement in January 2026. “As I celebrate my 80th birthday, this new version is my way of using what I’ve been blessed with to shine a little light forward, especially by sharing it with some truly incredible women.”

Now, following her death, the song’s lyrics have taken on a deeper meaning for her fans.

Hours before news broke of Dolly Parton‘s death, the Instagram page for Kelly Clarkson‘s talk show shared an eerie throwback video featuring the country music legend.

On Tuesday, Aug. 25, the Kelly Clarkson Show official Instagram account posted a video of Clarkson and Parton singing together on the show back in 2022, where they performed a duet of “I Will Always Love You.” The video was posted as part of an ongoing series celebrating the “Best of Kelly” moments from her talk show, which is slated to end this fall following its seventh season.

But the timing of the post appears to be an uncanny coincidence, as the news of Parton’s death wasn’t announced until two hours later on Tuesday afternoon, with an official video statement from her nephew and security guard Bryan Seaver.

“The fact this was posted 2 hours ago today and they just announced her passing 15 minutes ago,” one commenter noted under the post, while another pointed out, “The timing of this post….”

For one fan, they were in the middle of watching the throwback clip featuring Parton when the news of her death broke. “As I was watching this clip, a news alert popped up saying she died. RIP, Dolly,” they wrote in the comments.

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Many fans were left wondering if Clarkson’s social media team heard about the news beforehand, or if the timing was simply just a coincidence. Interestingly, the caption on the post included the emoji of a smiling face with a tear (🥲), which could be interpreted a number of ways.

“Did ya’ll know something we didn’t when you posted this??” one person wanted to know, while another wondered, “Surely you guys knew?”

But it wasn’t the only post involving Parton that Clarkson’s social media team had shared recently, as a flashback video of Clarkson’s “9 to 5” cover in 2019 was also posted this week.

Related: 1992 No. 1 Hit Ranked the Greatest Dolly Parton Cover of All Time

Dolly Parton passed away on Aug. 25, 2026, at 80 years old, but her legacy will live on—and her fortune likely will, too.

The country icon leaves behind a massive catalog of music—she has more than 1,500 songs credited to her—plus an even bigger brand, with her name and likeness on everything from musical instruments to a theme park to cookware to cake mix, as well as a Broadway show and movies. There was nothing Parton couldn’t do and few things she didn’t do.

Parton didn’t just print money, however—she was as renowned for her generous spirit as she was for “Jolene,” and her net worth likely would’ve been even higher if she took after some of the less savory robber baron types we know all too well right now.

Find out Dolly Parton’s net worth at time of death and who may stand to inherit her fortune.

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Dolly Parton’s net worth at time of death was estimated at a cool $650 million.

Much of that fortune came not just from Parton’s productions as a singer and songwriter, but also from her merchandising deals, which ramped up in the last decade thanks to her close work with her longtime manager, Danny Nozell: She knew that she might want to retire someday, so she was setting herself up to do that quite comfortably with deals including a cookbook, baking mixes and cake pans, cosmetics, greeting cards, Peloton workouts, wine, wigs, clothing, home decor, dining products, pinball machines and more. (Phew!)

“You spend your whole life building your brand, and so you decide at a certain point, maybe it is time,” Parton explained to Billboard in 2020. “If I didn’t work anymore, [with] these kinds of projects, you get your royalties if your stuff does well. Danny calls it ‘mailbox money.'”

Related: Dolly Parton’s Goddaughter Miley Cyrus’ Net Worth Revealed

It’s estimated that Parton, through her Dolly Parton Foundation, Imagination Library and other initiatives, has given away more than $600 million throughout the course of her career.

Her Imagination Library donates 3.5 million books to kids in need every single month as of 2025, and she donated $1 million to development of COVID vaccines alone. She’s also given scholarships to local children in Tennessee and donated so much (at least $2 million) to the East Tennessee Children’s Hospital that they renamed it to the Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital.

Parton also was quite generous donating money after natural disasters, including $1 million to victims of Hurricane Helene alone in 2024.

Related: Dolly Parton’s New Dessert Line Is Inspired by Classic American Treats

Parton and her husband, Carl Dean, who died in March 2025 at age 82, famously chose to be child-free.

While Parton’s will hasn’t been made publicly as of this writing on the date of her death (Aug. 25, 2026), but her late husband’s will may have clues as to where her fortune may go.

Dean’s will left his estate to a trust in Parton’s name, Us Weekly reported, and left all of his personal items, rights, titles, cars, jewelry, musical instruments, equipment and entertainment industry interests to Parton. He also left a handwritten note specifying who in his family—reportedly nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews—would inherit certain items and personal effects.

Dean had five nieces and nephews on his side of the family, while Parton had 14.

In 2020, Parton told Billboard that she was working with an estate lawyer to build out a will, and her manager Nozell said they did so with her legacy in mind—which means she will likely give a lot of her money away to noble causes.

“I would not want to leave that mess to somebody else,” she said, referencing artists like Aretha Franklin and Prince, who both died without wills. “A word to all the other artists out there: If you haven’t made those provisions, do that. You don’t want to leave that mess to your family for people to have to fight over. You need to take care of that yourself, even if it’s a pain in the ass—and it is.”

Related: Your Dolly Parton Song, Based on Birth Month

The world lost an angel today.

As fans around the world process the loss of Dolly Parton, her family is revealing how they plan to say goodbye to the legendary singer, songwriter, and philanthropist.

In an Instagram post shared moments ago, Parton’s family announced plans for a small, private funeral service, following the Queen of Country Music’s death.

According to a family statement, shared by Variety, Parton died peacefully in her home in Nashville today, Aug. 25. She is survived by a seven-decade legacy that extends far beyond music and includes acting, writing, service, and countless other efforts.

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At Parton’s request, the service will be limited to immediate family only. However, the family did mention ways for fans to get involved and pay their respects. The family is encouraging fans and friends around the globe to honor Parton’s memory on social media by tagging her official account or leaving a message of kindness on her website (which has crashed since her passing).

Fans are also encouraged to make donations in her name to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, the literacy organization she founded in 1995, which provides free books to children.

In their Instagram post, the family shared a black-and-white image of the country music icon with the words, “I will always love you,” printed at the bottom, right above Parton’s “Dolly” signature. Describing their loved one as an inspiration whose “rhinestone life” shone brightly enough for the world to see, they added that her legacy of “love, compassion, and resilience” will continue through her music, service, and the generations of people she influenced.

Here is the caption in full:

“Global icon and humanitarian, Dolly Parton, known to the world as a beloved singer, songwriter, philanthropist, actress, playwright, and author died peacefully today in Nashville, Tennessee. She was 80 years old.

“Dolly is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 59 years Carl Thomas Dean (1942 – 2025), her mother Avie Lee Caroline Owens (1923 – 2003), and father, Robert Lee Parton, Sr. (1921 – 2000).

“A rhinestone life that shone bright enough for the world to see, Dolly will forever stand as an inspiration not only through her timeless music and prolific songwriting, but also her wit, warmth, and kindness that made us all feel like family. Dolly Parton’s legacy is one of love, compassion, and resilience. With a seven-decade career, she inspired multiple generations of artists and fans with her music and an unwavering commitment to making the world a better place. Her songs will continue to resonate with people of all ages, and her philanthropic work will have a lasting impact.

“At Dolly’s request, a small, private service will be held for immediate family. Dolly’s fans and friends from around the world are encouraged to pay tribute to Dolly on social media by tagging @DollyParton or by leaving a message at www.dollyparton.com.

“In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations to be made to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library at www.imaginationlibrary.com.”

Related: Country Music Legend Dolly Parton Dead at 80

Fans are mourning country superstar Dolly Parton, whose death at 80 was announced Aug. 25 by her nephew Bryan Seaver. Along with her dozens of country hits, Parton’s influence and musical reach crossed over into the pop and rock world.

Most famously, Parton’s “I Will Always Love You,” her 1973 farewell to her musical partner and mentor Porter Wagoner, became even a bigger hit when it was covered by Whitney Houston for the soundtrack of the 1992 film The Bodyguard. The single topped Billboard’s Hot 100 for 14 weeks.

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Aside from the country and pop blockbusters, Parton’s music also crossed over to the rock world.

In 2004, the White Stripes released a single of their live version of the Parton classic “Jolene.” It became an international hit reaching No. 16 on the UK Singles Chart, No. 12 in Norway, and No. 28 in Flanders. In Australia, it came in at No. 10 in radio station Triple J’s Hottest 100 of 2004. Nine years later, it was voted one of the best live covers by the readers of Rolling Stone magazine.

In 2016, vocal group Pentatonix covered the song with Parton appearing as a featured artist, and it topped Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart.

Beyoncé took a stab at the song on her Cowboy Carter album, and her version nabbed a nomination for Cover Song of the Year at the 2024 People’s Choice Country Awards.

In 2023, Parton embraced the rock world with her album Rockstar, which featured the country legend teaming with several veteran rockers on versions of their well-known hits, including Heart’s “Magic Man” with Ann Wilson, the Beatles’ “Let It Be” with Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, as well as the original “Bygones” with Judas Priest’s Rob Halford and Mötley Crüe’s Nikki Sixx and John 5.

Halford performed as part of an all-star tribute to Parton when she was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in November 2022. In an interview with Mark Strigi from SiriusXM’s Ozzy’s Boneyard show, per Classic Rock, Halford heaped praise on Parton. “She’s just this walking beacon of love and happiness and joy that she spreads. And the talent that she has; when you think about the thousands and thousands of songs that she’s written,” he said.

“She’s the epitome of staying the course and believing in yourself and believing the people around you and getting through these difficulties and challenges and rising above them and becoming a success all over again. She was always a success, but in the way that she can kind of fade in and out of things in rock and roll. She stuck to it.”

Country music icon Dolly Parton has died.

A little more than one year ago, she lost her beloved husband, Carl Dean, after nearly 60 years together. Dean’s exact cause of death was never revealed, reports indicated that he’d been plagued by an unspecified prolonged illness.

Dean’s death left Parton heartbroken.

“Of course I miss him. I’m having to really go through a lot trying to figure out how to be without him because I was with him for so long,” Parton told Entertainment Tonight just two months after Dean’s death. “There’s that part of me that will miss him forever. … For the rest of my life, I’m sure,” she continued, adding, “He did suffer a lot for the last few years, and there’s a part of me that’s happy he’s at peace and at rest.”

A few months later, Parton opened up about her husband’s death while chatting with People.

“Ours is a great old love story. Most people don’t stay that close that long,” the Grammy winner told the outlet. “That’s a loss. Nobody can ever know that unless you’ve experienced it yourself. He will always be in my heart and in my memories.”

Parton met Dean in Nashville when she was just 18 years old.

“I was at the laundromat, the Wishy‐Washy—I’d come to Nashville with dirty clothes. I was in such a hurry to get here—and after I’d put my clothes in the machine, I started walkin’ down the street…and this guy hollered at me, and I waved,” Parton told The New York Times in 1976. “Bein’ from the country, I spoke to everybody. And he came over and, well, it was Carl, my husband.”

On Tuesday, Aug. 25, Parton’s nephew, Bryan Seaver, shared a candid video message announcing Parton’s death. In the video, he noted that he feels that his aunt is “in the arms of Jesus” and was “met by Carl.”

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Billy Ray Cyrus is beaming in birthday photos shared by his girlfriend Elizabeth Hurley.

“Happy Birthday to my beautiful boyfriend @billyraycyrus,” Hurley captioned a series of snaps on Instagram on Tuesday. “May the next year be our best ever.”

The country singer, who turned 65, was seen in several PDA-filled pictures with the longtime British actress, and fans couldn’t help but support the couple’s relationship.

“So happy you are so happy…beautiful couple……stay young!” one wrote.

“I’ve never seen Billy so happy lol So happy for the both of you,” added another.

“You two make such a beautiful couple,” said a third. “Happy you both have found each other. Love is a wonderful thing.”

Cyrus’ family and friends, including daughters Miley and Noah, also sent him a video message for his birthday, which he shared on his Instagram.

“Happy Birthday Dad, I’m so grateful for you, mostly for your really good hair, love you. Happy birthday,” Miley said.

Hurley and her son Damian were also included in the video montage.

“Hi baby, happy birthday to you,” the Austin Powers star said. “I hope you have the best birthday and I love you very much.”

“Happy birthday, I love you, I miss you,” Damian said in a selfie clip. “Celebrate and have the most beautiful day and I’ll see you soon.”

Others featured in the video included “Old Town Road” rapper Lil’ Nas X, Diplo, Shania Twain, Gretchen Wilson and Dennis Quaid.

Related: Elizabeth Hurley Reveals What She Really Thought of Miley Cyrus Before Dating Billy Ray

Hurley, 61, who went public with the “Achy Breaky Heart” singer in 2025 in a Easter Sunday Instagram post has continued to share their life together. She regularly documents occasions including red carpet appearances and family time together.

Most recently, the couple spoke with People in June about what they have in common.

“We split our time between Billy’s farm in Tennessee and my country house in England, with brief forays into Nashville and London. We both love the countryside, where I’m usually wielding power tools in the garden whilst Billy strums his guitar under a tree,” she said. “We obsessively watch birds of prey and light lots of bonfires. It’s bliss.”

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Dolly Parton was larger than life, so it’s no surprise that she had a whole theme park dedicated to her.

Originally named “Rebel Railroad,” the theme park based in Pigeon Forge, Tenn., went through several iterations before Parton came into the picture in 1986. She bought an interest in Silver Dollar City, as it was called at the time, and the name was promptly changed to Dollywood.

“We’re lucky to be in the part of the world that I believe is just absolutely the most perfect place that God has created, so we just look outside the window and those big, beautiful Smoky Mountains provide all the inspiration we could ever dream of finding,” Parton told National Geographic of her decision to invest in Dollywood.

“The Smokies — and the wonderful people who work here — are what make Dollywood so different than many of the other theme parks around the world.”

Sadly, Parton passed away at the age of 80 on August 25, 2026, and now fans are worried about the future of Dollywood.

At the time of her passing, Dollywood was jointly owned by Herschend and Dolly Parton Productions, the entertainment company of the late country singer. Parton also owned the sister water park, Dollywood’s Splash Country, Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa, and Dolly Parton’s Stampede Dinner Attraction.

In a video announcing her death, her nephew Bryan Seaver reassured fans that her legacy would be preserved, and presumably that of Dollywood, by her family.

“Our family and the team she has entrusted with her legacy will work diligently to ensure her spirit will live with us forever,” he said. “She will always love you.”

Dollywood also released a statement paying tribute to the park’s “Dreamer-in-Chief” following her death.

“Dolly’s heartfelt wish was that Dollywood always remain a place of joy, hope and togetherness—a space where families and friends could honor her memory, not with silence, but with laughter, music and shared dreams,” the statement read. “Together, we honor her by carrying forward her message of love, perseverance, and hope.”

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Related: Gap’s ‘Buttery Soft’ $20 Fleece Joggers Are ‘Perfect for Fall’ and Come in 6 Colors

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Dolly Parton has been a staple of country music since her childhood, but in 1970, she broke free as a solo artist with “Joshua,” which landed her at the very top of the charts.

Before hits like “Jolene” and “9 to 5,” Parton was already making a name for herself, more so as Porter Wagoner’s duet partner. During that time, she still released tracks as a solo artist, but had yet to achieve a No. 1 hit. Her cover of Jimmie Rodgers’ “Mule Skinner Blues (Blue Yodel No. 8)” landed her close at No. 3 on the charts.

By 1970, Parton released her seventh studio album titled Joshua and included a single and title track of the same name. “Joshua” would end up becoming the golden ticket that launched the 24-year-old to the stardom she deserved when it became her first No.1 hit on the Billboard country charts a year later in 1971.

The success of the song even landed Parton her first-ever Grammy nomination in the Best Country Female Vocal category for the song. It was safe to say that all eyes were on the future ‘Queen of Country’ thanks to the track.

Alongside Parton’s legendary vocals, the track told the story of a young woman who ventures to a mountain man named Joshua’s shack. She is on a mission to uncover if the rumors of him being mean and vicious are true, only to discover he’s a lonely and kind-hearted man she ends up falling in love with.

The story behind “Joshua” isn’t entirely a far-fetched tale, as Parton based it on people she knew as a child.

“I love the story of this song,” Parton said, according to SongFacts. “But I also love the little musical arrangement. The record sounded really good. I based the character on two or three mountain men I knew as a kid, reclusive people who lived alone way back in the mountains. I just kind of built the story around them.”

The track deviated from other country ballads at the time with its upbeat, catchy, and full-of-energy sound. “Joshua” was the hit Parton needed to separate herself from Wagoner, as the album peaked at No. 16 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart. It also just managed to make the Billboard 200 chart at No. 198. Critics called the album and track one of the “all-time best country records ever recorded.”

Related: 1964 Pop Song, Covered by Dolly Parton 20 Years Later, Became a No. 1 International Hit

President Donald Trump has ordered that all American flags be lowered to honor legendary country musician Dolly Parton following her passing at the age of 80.

“Very sad to report that Dolly Parton, one of the greatest Country singers, and far beyond, EVER, has just passed away. This is a true loss for millions of people. There has never been anyone like her, and never will,” Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social. “In her honor, I am lowering the American flag throughout the United States for a one-week period beginning tonight at 6:00PM. Rest in Peace, Dolly! The World loves you.”

Parton was admitted to the hospital on the morning of Friday, Aug. 21, with kidney and autoimmune issues, TMZ reports, and ultimately died on the morning of Tuesday, Aug. 25.

Her cause of death is not known at this time.

TMZ further reports that her loved ones are making plans to honor her, with family sources telling the outlet that a “small ceremony is being planned in Nashville in the coming days. We’re told the gathering is expected to be intimate, with Dolly’s closest family and loved ones coming together to celebrate her remarkable life and legacy.”

They add that there are “no solidified plans yet for a public funeral or celebration of life … though it’s still early.”

Parton has dealt with health complications recently, specifically surrounding her immune system and digestive issues, kidney stones, and medication-related problems. The singer canceled her September Las Vegas residency amid all this, which she had previously pushed back to 2025. Parton also canceled her Dollywood appearance earlier this month after her doctor advised her not to travel while she dealt with dehydration and occasional dizziness.

She leaves behind an incredible legacy, known for hits such as Jolene,” “9 to 5,” and “I Will Always Love You.”

Long before Dolly Parton died at 80 on Aug. 25, 2026, the country music legend had spoken openly about what she believed happened after death.

For Parton, the subject wasn’t something to fear. Her deep Christian faith, along with her openness to ideas about the afterlife, gave her a comforting perspective: She believed death wasn’t necessarily the end and hoped she would be reunited with the people she loved.

That outlook became especially meaningful after the death of her husband, Carl Dean, in March 2025.

Parton discussed her beliefs on the Dolly Parton’s America podcast, explaining that she didn’t believe death marked the end of a person’s existence.

“I don’t think it is the end of me,” she said, adding that she believed people could return to a “great flow of divine energy.”

She acknowledged that nobody can know exactly what happens after death, but said faith meant holding onto hope.

“You just hope and you have faith,” Parton said.

That belief was also reflected in the way she talked about Dean after his death.

Parton described her longtime husband as her “anchor” and said she would miss him for the rest of her life. At the same time, she found comfort in believing that he was finally at peace.

Parton’s ideas about what comes next even had a musical twist.

She once joked that she hoped to join an “angel band” after she died, imagining herself continuing to make music in heaven.

It was a very Parton way to talk about something most people find difficult to discuss.

And she wasn’t simply making peace with her own mortality. Parton also spent years preparing for the possibility that she wouldn’t be around to finish all of her creative projects.

She revealed that she had recorded unreleased vocals that could potentially be used to create new music after her death, hoping her work could continue reaching listeners.

Even in her final years, Parton’s attitude remained remarkably consistent: Keep working, keep creating and keep believing there was more beyond what she could see.

Now that she has died, those old comments about faith, music and seeing loved ones again take on an especially poignant meaning.

RELATED: Dolly Parton Was Building Her Biggest Legacy Project Yet Before Her Death

It was announced on Tuesday that the legendary country singer Dolly Parton has passed away. The unfortunate news was revealed via a video shared on social media by her nephew and Head of Security, Bryan Seaver.

“I have imagined the heaviness of this moment but haven’t truly felt it until now,” Seaver said. “It is an honor, an honor that is mixed with absolute pride and great sadness.”

Parton has been active in the industry for over 60 years. Throughout her career, she released over 50 studio albums and had a string of pop and country hits, including “Jolene,” “Coat of Many Colors,” “9 to 5,” “I Will Always Love You” and many more.

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Minutes after the video was shared, thousands of fans, brands and artists shared their tributes and appreciate to the late entertainer. One of them was country star Kacey Musgraves, who has said multiple times that Parton was one of her musical and fashion icons.

“Dolly. 💔 This really really hurts,” Musgraves wrote on X. “The world feels a lot less sparkly all of a sudden.”

“So glad she’s with her Carl Dean,” the 38-year-old singer shared in a seperate post, referring to Parton’s husband that passed away in March 2025. “No one talk to me today.”

The world feels a lot less sparkly all of a sudden.

The “Rainbow” singer frequently honors Parton while she’s on tour, singing a cover of her classic hits like “9 to 5.” In an interview with Rolling Stone, Musgraves cited that Parton was one of her “heroes,” and was kind enough to let her into her fashion archives back in 2015.

“I was presenting an award to her, and she was super gracious in letting me come into her personal closet. She has this amazing warehouse that has — not kidding — every single piece of clothing, jewelry, shoes, everything that she’s ever worn since 1967,” Musgraves shared with the outlet in 2021. “They’ve kept everything, they’ve archived everything, and every single thing has a label and a photo of her in it…It’s like a freakin’ museum.”

Back in 2019, Musgraves and many other artists such as Miley Cyrus, Maren Morris and Little Big Town performed a tribute concert at the 2019 Grammy Awards, honoring Parton and her legacy. Musgraves and Katy Perry opened the performance with a rendition of “Here You Come Again,” and various other musicians sang bits of iconic Parton songs. The tribute performances ended with Parton coming up on stage with them to sing an energetic rendition of “9 to 5.”

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The loss of Parton has impacted multiple generations of fans and artists. Before her death, many outlets reported that she was working on music while dealing with a kidney stone infection that forced her to cancel upcoming performances such as a Las Vegas residency and various events at Dollywood.

Parton passed away in Nashville at 80 years old. An official cause of death was not released by her team or family.

“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,” Seaver said in his statement. “Our family and the team she has entrusted with her legacy will work diligently to ensure her spirit will live with us forever.”

Related: ’70s Country Star Dolly Parton Shares Rare Photos Ahead of Book Release

Sally Field is mourning the loss of Dolly Parton with a deeply personal tribute that paints the country music icon as nothing short of an angel on earth. Parton died at age 80 on Aug. 25. While her family did not release a cause of death, Parton had been dealing with health issues over the past year.

Field took to social media Tuesday following news of Parton’s death, sharing an emotional message for the woman she adored and saying she would “always cherish our time together.” Alongside a photo from their film Steel Magnolias, Field called Parton someone for whom “there will never be another,” before ending her tribute with a heartbreaking goodbye: “Forever. Rest in peace beautiful Dolly.”

Field always treasured her friendship with Parton, once saying, “No one really knows the total gem of a soul that Dolly Parton is.”

The cast of Steel Magnolias, which included Shirley MacLaine, Julia Roberts, Olympia Dukakis and Daryl Hannah, in addition to Field and Parton, remained close and kept in touch after making the 1987 film.

“We check in with each other,” MacLaine told People in 2019. “Not all the time, but we know what we’re doing.”

In fact, MacLaine said she was particularly impressed with Parton during filming. “She was the only one who didn’t complain about the heat,” she recalled with a laugh. “And she was the one wearing the 10 inch heels and the waist cincher of 18 inches. And she never complained about a thing. And a wig that was huge!”

MacLaine also shared what the vibe was like on set, revealing that she had most of her scenes with Dukakis, while Roberts “was going through what she was going through in her young life. And Dolly, I think, was writing songs up in her bedroom in her house, or something.”

Dolly Parton’s final public appearance came just two months before her death.

Parton, who died at age 80 on Tuesday, August 25, surprised fans in Cornersville, Tenn., on June 24 when she showed up for the grand opening of her new truck stop, Dolly’s Tennesseean Travel Stop.

The country music legend arrived in a blue dress with pink sleeves and fringe. She took the stage to greet the crowd before helping cut the ribbon with a pair of rhinestone-covered scissors. 

“Well, how’s everybody doin’ today out in that hot, boilin’ sun?” she gleefully said. “Anyway, I wanted to welcome all of you and say thank you for coming. We’re very excited about our truck stop, the Tennesseean Travel Stop.”

Parton also had some fun with her competition, joking about Buc-ee’s and its famous beaver mascot. “I’m sure some of you want to know why I wanted a truck stop,” Parton said, according to The Tennesseean. “Well, I couldn’t leave it to beavers.”

Dolly Parton has entered the trucker stop business. Here’s a special look at Dolly’s Tennessean Travel Stop in Cornersville, Tenn., that is officially open for business. pic.twitter.com/4i0mtjg7Qu

The rare outing came after Parton had spent months largely away from the spotlight. In September 2025, she announced that she was postponing her Las Vegas residency after experiencing “health issues” related to a kidney stone infection. 

By May 2026, she had ultimately canceled the residency altogether, explaining that she still had “some healing to do.”

Parton had previously shared that caring for her late husband, Carl Dean, who died in March 2025, took a toll on her health. Just four days before her death, she offered another glimpse into how she was doing while also discussing her upcoming Broadway musical and plans for a hotel and museum in Nashville.

“I am dealing with some health issues that I just didn’t pay attention to when I was watching over Carl. You know, this isn’t the first time I’ve had to manage something like this,” she told People at the time.

“Even though I’m still healin’, I’m still workin’! You know me — as I’ve often said — I’ve dreamed myself into a corner and I still have so many things I want to achieve, so I’m gonna keep on working as long as I can to see everything come to life.”

Parton’s family shared news of her death on August 25, with her nephew, Bryan Seaver, announcing it in an Instagram video.

“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 said in the clip.

“It is an honor, an honor that is mixed with absolute pride and great sadness. But sadness lies with us, not with Dolly,” Seaver added. “Dolly has lived in the light and is in the arms of Jesus, surely met by Carl, her parents and countless others who have watched her and longed to meet her in the heavens.”

“Rest in peace, Aunt Dolly — Aunt, Granny, Gigi. May God bless Dolly Parton, and may God bless you all. She will always love you,” he concluded.

Related: Dolly Parton’s Cause of Death Has Been Revealed

On Aug. 25, singer-songwriter Dolly Parton died at the age of 80. The star spent 67 years in the country music industry, releasing her first single, “Puppy Love,” at the age of 13. But Parton was not only the queen of country music — she was also a celebrated actress.

From 9 to 5 to Steel Magnolias, Parton appeared in 15 theatrical and TV movies. To honor her work in Hollywood, celebrities have been pouring in with tributes to the late country star.

Pedro Pascal was one of the first to pay tribute to Parton, posting a black-and-white photo of the songwriter and actress with the caption “One of one. We must make more.”

Sarah Jessica Parker, known for her role as Carrie Bradshaw on the HBO series Sex and the City, posted an Instagram carousel with pictures of Parton.

“I never met Dolly Parton, but my gosh, did I love her,” Parker captioned the post. “I don’t think any of us had to know her to love her. One of the greatest this country ever produced. Legend. For real. Forever. And always advocating for those she knew and understood needed a champion.”

Parker continued, saying, “Aren’t we so lucky, so fortunate for the endless gifts she shared. With the world. Godspeed and RIP. You will be terribly missed.”

Keke Palmer, who starred alongside Parton in the 2012 musical comedy Joyful Noise, also took to social media to pay tribute to her former co-star. She shared a photo of herself and Parton, captioning it with three emotional words: “I’m devastated. Truly.”

Currently, a cause of death hasn’t been revealed, but Parton’s family said that she “died peacefully today in Nashville.” The announcement came from a video by her nephew, Bryan Seaver, on behalf of the Parton family. Read Parade’s ongoing coverage here.

Country musician and actress Dolly Parton, famous for her beloved tunes like “Jolene” (1973), “Coat of Many Colors” (1971), and “I Will Always Love You” (1974), has died.

Parton, who was 80 at the time of her death, used her songwriting talents to come up with tracks given to different musicians, such as “Circle of Love” by Jennifer Nettles (2016), Waylon Jennings‘ 1984 tune “Waltz Me To Heaven,” “I’m In No Condition” by Hank Williams Jr. (1967), “Put It Off Until Tomorrow” by Bill Phillips (1967), “The Stranger” by Kenny Rogers (1984), and “Fuel To The Flame” by Skeeter Davis (1967), as reported by Grammys.com. According to the publication, Parton and her uncle, fellow musician Bill Owens, co-wrote “Fuel To The Flame,” which propelled Parton’s status as a songwriter.

Parton discussed her working relationship with Owens, her mother’s brother, in a 2013 interview with 60 Minutes Australia. She said that she knew she “wanted to perform” and “wanted to sing” during her childhood. She also shared that Owens, who died in 2021 at the age of 85, helped her establish her singer-songwriter career when she was just 10.

“My uncle Bill Owens, one of my mother’s brothers, he also played guitar, and he used to take me around. We wrote a lot of songs together, and we’re still wonderful friends today. We still try, you know, get together every winter and try to write a few songs,” said Parton during the 2013 interview. “But he would take me around all these places, and the first time I ever stood in front of an audience [was] at the Cass Walker Show, which is a man that owned a chain of grocery stores, supermarkets, and he sponsored a show.”

She said that she sang while her uncle played guitar, which delighted the audience. She also recalled leaving the modest venue and telling her uncle she knew the stage was meant for her.

“When we were walking out in the parking lot getting in my uncle’s old beat-up car, I said, ‘Well, they really liked me, didn’t they?’ And he said, ‘Well, I think they really did.’ I said, ‘Well, I think this is it. I’m just going to always do it,'” said Parton.

Long before the late Dolly Parton became one of the most successful entertainers in the world, she grew up in a tiny log cabin in the Tennessee mountains with her parents and 11 siblings.

The home had no electricity or running water, but Parton never viewed her childhood simply through the lens of poverty. Instead, she remembered the cabin as the place where her family had something far more important: each other.

That may help explain why Parton eventually made sure the family’s old home would remain part of her story.

The original Parton family home in Locust Ridge, Tennessee, was eventually sold after the family no longer needed it. Years later, after Parton had become a star, she bought the property back and restored the house.

The decision was deeply personal.

Parton’s memories of the home had already inspired her 1973 album My Tennessee Mountain Home, whose cover featured the cabin where she spent part of her childhood. The title song became a loving tribute to the place she came from. The Country Music Hall of Fame notes that the album looked back at the life and traditions Parton had left behind when she moved to Nashville.

Parton has also spoken about how, despite having very little materially, her family felt rich in love and togetherness.

“We had a roof over our heads,” she recalled in a 60 Minutes interview, even if it leaked, adding that they had food and a bed to sleep in.

That perspective became one of the defining themes of Parton’s career.

She transformed memories of growing up poor into songs such as “Coat of Many Colors” and “My Tennessee Mountain Home,” celebrating the people and experiences that shaped her rather than hiding where she came from.

The childhood cabin is still standing today, while a replica can be visited at Dollywood.

Parton’s death was announced on Aug. 25, 2026. She was 80 years old.

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