By editor
Country music legend Dolly Parton aka Queen of Country” has died at the age of 80, her family announced on Tuesday. It marks the end of the career of one of America’s most loved singers and entertainers.
Her nephew, Bryan Seaver, announced her death in a video posted online. The family did not say what caused her death. Major news outlets including The Guardian also confirmed it.
Seaver spoke about how hard the moment was.
“I have imagined the heaviness of this moment but haven’t truly felt it until now. It is an honour, an honour that is mixed with absolute pride and great sadness,” he said.
From poor beginnings to global fame
Parton spent more than 60 years in the spotlight. She grew up poor in rural Tennessee and went on to become a singer, songwriter, actress, businesswoman and giver.
Known as the “Queen of Country”, she sold over 100 million records. She was famous for songs like “Jolene”, “9 to 5” and “I Will Always Love You”. She wrote more than 3,000 songs and won 11 Grammy Awards.
She also acted in popular films like 9 to 5, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, Steel Magnolias and Joyful Noise.
Parton was born on January 19, 1946, in a small two-room cabin in Tennessee. She was the fourth of 12 children. Her family was very poor, but her mother taught her folk music and her father taught her to work hard.
She started singing young. At 13 she was on radio and TV in East Tennessee and even performed at the Grand Ole Opry. She recorded her first song, “Puppy Love”.
After high school in 1964, she moved to Nashville to chase music.
Her first album, Hello, I’m Dolly, came out in 1967. That same year she joined The Porter Wagoner Show. Wagoner became her mentor. Later, she left to become a solo star.
She wrote “I Will Always Love You” when she left Wagoner. Whitney Houston later made it a worldwide hit in the movie The Bodyguard.
She also wrote “Jolene”. Both songs were on her 1974 album Jolene.
Her 1977 album Here You Come Again sold over 1 million copies and won her first Grammy.
Movies and business
In 1980, Parton started acting in 9 to 5 with Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin. She also wrote the hit song for the film, which was nominated for an Oscar.
She later starred in The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas and Steel Magnolias.
Outside music and movies, she built businesses. She owned TV shows, food products, and Dollywood, the theme park in Tennessee she bought and renamed in 1986.
Giving back
Parton was also known for helping others.
Through her Dollywood Foundation’s Imagination Library, she gave books to children. She also supported hospitals, disaster relief and other causes.
During COVID-19, she donated $1 million to vaccine research. In 2022 she received the Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy.
“I just give from my heart,” she once said. “I just see a need and if I can fill it, then I will.”
Health struggles
In the last year, Parton had health issues. She cancelled a Las Vegas show and made fewer public appearances. Days before she died, she said she was still recovering from problems she had ignored.
Her husband, Carl Dean, died in March 2025 at age 82. They had been married for almost 60 years since 1966.
Dolly Parton leaves behind songs, films, businesses and charity work that touched millions.
Her death closes the chapter on one of country music’s greatest lives.
