Dolly Parton, Beloved Country Music Icon, Dead at 80
It’s so difficult to believe the news that the beloved country music star, Dolly Parton, has died at the age of 80 on August 25, 2026. We grew up hearing her music, watching her on the screen, and just knowing she was out there using her platform and her means to do good work.
Her nephew, Brian Seaver, made the announcement through a video on Parton’s own social media accounts.
Dolly Parton has Passed On
“My name is Brian Seaver, son of Cassie Parton, and 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.”
“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 til now.”
“It is an honor, an honor that is mixed with absolute pride and and great sadness. But the sadness lies with us, not with Dolly.
And the sadness truly is with us as we grieve alongside Parton’s family and friends.
What We Know
The cause of death hasn’t been revealed yet. We do know that, in May 2026, Parton canceled her show in Las Vegas. At that time, she said she had been receiving treatment for kidney stones. She said:
“Lord, they dig more stones out of me a year than the rock quarry in Rockwood, Tennessee. But seriously, my immune system and my digestive system got all out of whack over the past couple three years, and they’re working real hard on rebuilding and strengthening those and hopefully I’ll be up to snuff again soon.”
Dolly Parton’s Incredible Career
Dolly Parton will always be with us through her legacy of music and acting. She’s sold over 100 million records. She’s received over 100 awards, including 11 Grammy wins, 10 CMAs, and several lifetime achievement awards. She has also been inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Parton also appeared in movies, starting with “9 to 5” in 1980 (for which she also created the song), “Steel Magnolias” in 1989, and more. She gave us Christmas specials and even shared her own story in “Coat of Many Colors.”
She never made apologies for her physical appearance, which made her easily recognizable. And unforgettable. She put her brilliant business mind to work, creating a fortune and even creating her own theme park. And she leaves behind her Dollywood Foundation and her love of spreading literacy to children.
How Can Her Life Be Summarized?
There’s so much more we could say about Dolly Parton. She’s an icon and will be missed greatly by everyone who knew her. She has given us the gifts of her light and her love through her art and her personality.
We send out our love and condolences to Parton’s family, friends, and many, many fans.
