Dolly Parton, country music icon and songwriting legend, has died aged 80.
A statement from her team said: "Global icon and humanitarian, Dolly Parton, known to the world as a beloved singer, songwriter, philanthropist, actress, playwright, and author died peacefully today [August 25] 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."
Dolly Parton’s legacy is one of love, compassion, and resilience
Dolly Parton's team
Parton's team said she passed at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center surrounded by loved ones following a brief battle with cancer.
One of the most gifted and highly-decorated songwriters in American music history, Parton wrote more than 3,000 songs including From 9 To 5, I Will Always Love You and Jolene.
She notched up 25 RIAA-certified gold, platinum and multi-platinum awards, 26 No.1s on the US country charts, 44 career Top 10 country albums, 110 career-charted singles and over 100 million records sold worldwide.
"I take my songwriting so personally, and I often say in jest that my songs are like my children, and I expect them to support me when I’m old," said Parton in an extensive 2020 interview with Music Week.
Meanwhile, her legendary Glastonbury 2014 performance attracted one of the largest crowds in the festival's history and broke the BBC’s viewing figures record.
"Dolly was just Dolly," said her longtime agent, UTA's Neil Warnock. "She started with a vision and never took her foot off the gas. I was incredibly fortunate to be part of her life and to witness, alongside her manager Danny Nozell, the energy and ambition she brought to every chapter of her extraordinary career.
"It was a privilege to know her and to play a part in her journey. The star, the songwriter, the entrepreneur, the philanthropist. She did it all, and she did it in her own inimitable way. We'll miss her dearly."
Parton's final UK concert came just three days later, when she wrapped up her arena tour at Capital FM Arena (now Motorpoint Arena) Nottingham. She last toured North America in 2016.
"I don’t think of myself as a star,” she told Music Week. “I’m really a working girl. This is really a way of life for me and I just pray every day that I’ll be guided in my life, and in my career. When I did get to see my dreams come true, I always joked and said, ‘I have dreamed myself into a corner’ – meaning that I have seen my dreams come true and now I have to be responsible for them. I feel blessed; what a wonderful problem to have, so to speak. I just [make sure I] know what’s coming next, brace myself for it and take care of business.”
Dolly was a monumental talent and trailblazer whose extraordinary artistry touched millions around the globe
Sony Music Group
In a statement, Sony Music Group said: "We are deeply saddened by the passing of singer-songwriter, music legend, actress, author, businesswoman and philanthropist Dolly Parton. Every superlative you could apply to her would be accurate.
"Dolly was a monumental talent and trailblazer whose extraordinary artistry touched millions around the globe. For nearly three decades, we were lucky she called our record labels and publishing company home. She made songs that became part of our shared vocabulary and crossed genres and generations.
"Her generosity was as extraordinary as her talent. She created opportunities for others that she herself never had. Dolly showed that an artist's legacy is measured not only in songs, but in lives changed. We send our deepest condolences to her family, friends and fans around the world. We will always love you."
Parton earned nine Country Music Association (CMA) Awards in addition to being honoured with CMA’s Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016. She was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1999, and in 2021, she was awarded the CMA Foundation Humanitarian Award.
“At the end of the day, few artists define country music better than the one-word, Dolly," said CMA CEO Sarah Trahern. "Over her decades-long career, I worked with her on a number of programmes. 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.”
A world without Dolly doesn’t feel possible, real, or right
Taylor Swift
Hailing Parton as "an icon and trailblazer whose music inspired generations around the globe", UTA said it was "incredibly saddened" by the news.
"Her talent, generosity and spirit were boundless, and she symbolised hope for millions," said a statement by the agency on social media. "Our thoughts are with her loved ones, and we mourn alongside the countless fans she touched over her legendary career. Her music will live on forever."
Taylor Swift said: "A world without Dolly doesn’t feel possible, real, or right. But because of the eternally generous way she spent her time on this earth and the countless lives she changed for the better, her legacy will be an everlasting one."
Beyoncé wrote: “Dolly, you were the barometer. The north star. Bold and brilliant. Talented and tenacious. You taught so many lessons on how to be uniquely oneself. I am grateful for your art, your heart, your generosity, your humor, your entrepreneurship."
Katy Perry said: "Like the rest of the world, my heart sank seeing the news of dear Dolly’s passing. If there’s someone you wanna look up to and model your life after, it’s Dolly. Dolly was glam, funny, and kind."
On Instagram Stories, Elton John posted that he was "shocked and devastated" at Parton's passing, describing her as "a giant of an artist – unique and irreplaceable with the kindest heart".
Tributes also poured in from Paul McCartney, Dionne Warwick and Priscilla Presley, along with country music artists such as Luke Combs, Reba McEntire and Kacey Musgraves.
"The Heavenly Father has made the decision to bring another of his children to him. Dolly, a true child of God, is in the best hands now," said Warwick. "Resting in peace. I will certainly miss her laughter, jokes and her being. Rest well and in total peace my friend. Sincere heartfelt condolences to Danny, family and those who knew her. My heart is heavy."
PHOTO: Gilbert Carrasquillo/Getty Images
