Dolly Parton, the legendary American singer, songwriter and philanthropist who rose from humble beginnings to become one of the country’s most beloved and influential entertainers, has died at the age of 80.
Parton died peacefully in Nashville on Tuesday, according to a statement issued by her family. A small, private service will be held for close family members.
Her publicist, Marcel Pariseau, later confirmed that Parton died after a brief battle with cancer.
Parton had been open about experiencing various health challenges in recent years, particularly following the death of her husband, Carl Dean, in March 2025.
Throughout her decades-long career, Parton became a major figure in American music and entertainment, while also gaining widespread recognition for her philanthropic work and efforts to bring people together.
Her career spanned generations and included numerous acclaimed songs, albums and performances, establishing her as one of the most recognisable figures in country music and popular culture.
In a career that spanned over half a century, Parton captured the American experience, penning more than 3,000 songs. Those included “Coat of Many Colors,” a quiet ode to her mother, who stitched together garments in the family’s rural Tennessee home. She wrote and performed songs of love and heartbreak, like “Jolene” and “I Will Always Love You.” “9 to 5,” the title track from the movie of the same name, in which Parton also starred, became an anthem for American women and workers.