Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The world of music and philanthropy has lost one of its most brilliant and beloved stars. Country music legend Dolly Parton died on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at her home in Nashville, Tennessee. She was 80 years old.
Her death was announced by her nephew and longtime head of security, Bryan Seaver, in a video shared on her social media accounts. Seaver, speaking for the Parton and Owens family, confirmed that the icon "died peacefully". Her publicist later confirmed that Parton had been battling cancer, a fight her team described as "brief". The specific type of cancer has not been disclosed.
Parton’s passing comes just over a year after the death of her husband of nearly 60 years, Carl Thomas Dean, who passed away in March 2025 at the age of 82. The couple had been married since 1966.
In a heartfelt video announcement, Seaver said, “Dolly has lived in the light and is in the arms of Jesus, surely met by Carl, her parents and countless others who have watched her and longed to meet her in the heavens”. He paid tribute to her enduring legacy, stating, “She never saw a door she couldn't open, and the doors she opened made and changed history”.
In line with Parton's wishes, the family has announced that a "small, private service" will be held for immediate family. The family has requested that, in lieu of flowers, fans make donations to her Imagination Library, a book-gifting program that has sent over 300 million books to children around the world.
Tributes have poured in from across the globe. US President Donald Trump announced that flags would be lowered for a week in her honor, calling her "a true loss for millions of people". Sir Elton John expressed he was "shocked and devastated," describing Parton as “a giant of an artist – unique and irreplaceable, with the kindest heart”. Former Vice President Kamala Harris hailed her as a "true American icon".
Dolly Parton rose from humble beginnings in rural Tennessee to become a global superstar. Over her illustrious career, she won 11 Grammy Awards, received an Emmy and an honorary Oscar, and penned timeless hits like "I Will Always Love You," "Jolene," and "9 to 5". Her legacy as a singer, songwriter, actress, and philanthropist will forever be etched in the heart of American and global culture.
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