Dolly Parton, one of the most celebrated figures in the history of country music, died Tuesday at the age of 80. Her publicist announced that Parton died at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville, surrounded by loved ones, after what was described as a brief battle with cancer. A small private service will be held for immediate family.
According to ABC News, Parton had shared health concerns publicly since September 2025, when she wrote on Instagram, "As many of you know, I have been dealing with some health challenges, and my doctors tell me that I must have a few procedures," though she did not specify the nature of her illness. At the seasonal opening of her Dollywood theme park months later, she said she was still dealing with "a few little health issues." Just 10 days before her death, she canceled a scheduled appearance at Dollywood, saying her doctor had advised against travel.
"Now I've told you before, all my fans, that I have had a few little health issues. And sometimes I get a little dizzy, and I get dehydrated," Parton said in a video message played at the park that day.
Parton had also spoken publicly about navigating grief following the March 2025 death of her husband of nearly 60 years, Carl Dean, saying she had been working to rebuild herself "spiritually, emotionally and physically."
Her nephew, Bryan Seaver, shared a video statement he said Parton had asked him to prepare. "Dolly also opened doors for generations of singers, songwriters, musicians and dreamers from every walk of life and across every continent," Seaver said. "By her example, we believed that anything was possible. She never saw a door she couldn't open, and the doors she opened made and changed history." Seaver also said, "Dolly was a farmer, just like her daddy. He farmed the soil; she farmed songs and happiness," and added that Parton told him "she wants to rest in a beautiful bed of plush cotton because after a life of wearing heavy rhinestones, she finally deserves to be comfortable and have some rest." The statement ended: "May god bless Dolly Parton and may god bless you all. She will always love you."
President Donald Trump called Parton "one of the greatest Country singers, and far beyond, EVER" in a social media post and announced that American flags would be lowered to half-staff for one week beginning Tuesday evening at 6 p.m.
Parton was born into poverty in Pittman Center, a small mountain community in Tennessee. Her career in music began when she was still a child and extended across decades, producing chart-topping songs and a business empire that included the Dollywood theme park. She was known widely for her philanthropy as well as her music.
