Country music icon Dolly Parton has passed away at the age of 80, her family confirmed on Tuesday .
Her nephew, Bryan Seaver, announced the news in a video message posted to her official social media pages. “I am representing the Parton and Owens family today, announcing the passing of my aunt, Dolly Rebecca Parton Dean,” Seaver said .
Parton had been dealing with health challenges in recent years. In September 2025, she revealed she needed medical procedures, and later postponed a Las Vegas residency to focus on her health . The cause of death was not disclosed.
Born on January 19, 1946, in a one-room cabin in Pittman Center, Tennessee, Parton grew up in poverty as the fourth of 12 children . She learned to play guitar at age seven and began writing songs shortly after .
After graduating high school, she moved to Nashville in 1964 and quickly made her mark. Her breakthrough came when country star Porter Wagoner hired her for his television show in 1967 . She later wrote “I Will Always Love You” as a farewell to Wagoner when she left his show in 1974 .
Over a career spanning more than six decades, Parton amassed 11 Grammy awards, 10 Country Music Association awards, and three American Music awards . She sold more than 160 million albums worldwide, making her the best-selling female country artist of all time .
Parton’s catalogue includes timeless hits such as “Jolene,” “Coat of Many Colors,” “9 to 5,” and “I Will Always Love You,” the latter becoming a global smash when Whitney Houston covered it for “The Bodyguard” in 1992 .
She also enjoyed a successful acting career, making her film debut in the 1980 comedy “9 to 5” alongside Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin . Her other film credits include “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas,” “Steel Magnolias,” and “Joyful Noise” .
Beyond music, Parton was known for her philanthropy. Through her Imagination Library program, founded in 1995, she sent free books to millions of children across multiple countries . She also supported wildfire victims in Tennessee and donated $1 million to Vanderbilt University Medical Center for COVID-19 vaccine research .
Parton was married to Carl Thomas Dean for nearly 60 years until his death in March 2025 at age 82 . The couple married in 1966, with Dean largely staying out of the public eye while supporting his wife’s career .
She is survived by her siblings and extended family . Parton is preceded in death by her husband, her parents, and other loved ones. A private service will be held for close family, according to the family statement .
