American country music legend, singer, songwriter and actress Dolly Parton has died at the age of 80.
Her death was announced on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, by her nephew and longtime head of security, Bryan Seaver, in a video shared on Parton’s official social media accounts.
Parton was one of the most influential figures in country music, enjoying a career that spanned more than six decades and extended into film, television, business and philanthropy. She sold more than 100 million records and became known worldwide for her distinctive voice and songwriting.
She was behind some of the world’s most celebrated songs, including “Jolene,” “9 to 5” and “I Will Always Love You.” The latter later became a global hit for Whitney Houston after Parton originally wrote and recorded it.
Seaver said Parton had asked him years ago to be the person to announce her death when the time came. He described the announcement as a moment of great sadness and pride for the family.
Beyond music, Parton was widely recognised for her philanthropic work, particularly through her Imagination Library, which has provided hundreds of millions of free books to children around the world.
The cause of her death had not been disclosed at the time of reporting.
Parton leaves behind a legacy that spans music, film, business and philanthropy, making her one of the most enduring figures in American popular culture
