<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Dolly Parton, the renowned country music star, died on August 25, 2026, at the age of 80 after a battle with cancer, according to her representatives.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Her representatives stated, "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."</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The announcement of her death was made earlier in the day on social media by her nephew, Bryan Seaver, who acted as the family representative.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“I’m representing the Parton and Owens family today, announcing the passing of my aunt, Dolly Rebecca Parton Dean, Sister, Sis, and Granny to one generation and Gigi to the next,” Seaver said. “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.”</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“It is an honor, an honor that is mixed with absolute pride and great sadness, but sadness lies with us, not with Dolly,” he 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.”</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“Our beloved Dolly Parton spent her life and career bringing joy, laughter, hope and integrity into everything she touched. Her unmatched generosity reached the lives of countless people whom she would never meet, yet she was always there to offer a helping hand,” her representatives said.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">In May 2026, Parton canceled a planned Las Vegas residency, citing health concerns.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Parton is preceded in death by her husband, Carl Dean, who died in 2025. The couple was married for nearly 60 years. When announcing the cancellation of her Las Vegas shows, Parton mentioned she was dealing with health issues she “didn’t pay attention to when I was watching over Carl.”</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">She is survived by five of her sisters, Willadeene, Stella, Cassie, Freida, and Rachel, as well as her brother, Bobby. Her five other brothers preceded her in death. She is also the godmother of pop superstar Miley Cyrus.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Parton grew up in a two-room cabin in Tennessee, which influenced much of her music, including songs like “My Tennessee Mountain Home” and “Coat of Many Colors.” A replica of her childhood cabin is part of her theme park, Dollywood.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Parton’s career included a significant partnership with singer Porter Wagoner, who introduced her on his television show in 1967. When she left their duo to pursue a solo career, she wrote “I Will Always Love You” to commemorate their friendship.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Throughout her life, Parton received numerous awards for her contributions to music and film, including an Emmy, 11 Grammy awards, and an honorary Oscar.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Parton has hinted that her work may continue posthumously, with thousands of unrecorded songs and a time capsule at Dollywood containing a secret song to be released in 2045.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">In addition to her music career, Parton was known for her philanthropy, establishing the Imagination Library in 1995 to promote children’s literacy. She also contributed to disaster relief and helped fund early research for the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">In response to her passing, President Donald Trump ordered the American flag to be lowered throughout the week in her honor. He stated on Truth Social, “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.”</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Rep. Diana Harshbarger (R-TN) also memorialized Parton, stating, “She grew up in the hills of Sevier County, right here in Tennessee’s First District, and no matter how big her star got, she never stopped being one of us.”</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Fellow country music star Reba McEntire expressed her condolences, saying, “Dolly, thank you for all the wonderful things you did for us here on earth. Your love, your music and you gave so much with your huge huge heart.”</p>