Archive · 26 Aug 2026
Dolly Parton, Country Music Icon, Dies at 80
Dolly Parton was a famous singer, songwriter, actor and businesswoman from Tennessee.
She grew up in a poor family with 12 children.
She became famous for songs such as “Jolene” and “I Will Always Love You.”
Many other singers performed her songs, too.
She acted in movies like “9 to 5” and “Steel Magnolias.”
She created Dollywood, a theme park in Tennessee.
She also gave books to children and helped people affected by disasters.
She died at age 80, and her songs are described as her lasting legacy.
Dolly Parton died Tuesday at 80, with her family confirming her death in a statement.
Reports differ on the circumstances: Reuters said no cause was disclosed, while another report cited a brief cancer battle at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center.
Parton sold more than 100 million records and wrote classics including “Jolene,” “Coat of Many Colors” and “I Will Always Love You.”
Her six-decade career included acting, television, publishing, business ventures and the Dollywood theme park in Tennessee.
Her philanthropy included Imagination Library, wildfire relief and a $1 million donation to COVID-19 vaccine research.
- Who
- Dolly Parton, the country singer, songwriter, actor, businesswoman and philanthropist; her family announced her death.
- What
- Parton died at age 80 after a career spanning music, film, television, publishing, business and philanthropy.
- When
- She died on Tuesday; the reports carry an Aug. 25 dateline.
- Where
- She died in Nashville, with one report saying she was at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center surrounded by loved ones.
- Why
- The circumstances are disputed: Reuters said no cause of death was disclosed, while another report attributed her death to a brief battle with cancer.
Report of undisclosed cause
Report of brief cancer battle
Circumstances of death
Report of undisclosed cause
Reuters reported that no cause of death was disclosed and that Parton died peacefully in Nashville.
Report of brief cancer battle
Another report said Parton died after a brief battle with cancer at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, surrounded by loved ones.
- Age at death
- 80
- Birth
- January 19, 1946, in Pittman Center, Tennessee
- Signature songs
- “Jolene,” “Coat of Many Colors” and “I Will Always Love You”
- Record sales
- More than 100 million worldwide
- Songwriting
- An estimated 3,000 songs written and about 450 recorded
- Dollywood
- Theme park in Tennessee near her birthplace
- Philanthropy
- Imagination Library, wildfire relief and a $1 million donation to vaccine research
- Awards
- Reports cite 10 or 11 Grammy wins; sources mention a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award
Sources
Dolly Parton, country music icon who made ‘Jolene’ and ‘I Will Always Love You’, dies at 80
Dolly Parton, music star, actor, beloved figure who spanned generations has died at 80
Dolly Parton dies at 80; she wrote ‘I will always love you’ and meant every word
Country Music Legend Dolly Parton Dies At 80
Dolly Parton Dies At 80 After Brief Cancer Battle, Leaves Behind An Enduring Legacy In Music, Hollywood And Philanthropy | Video
Singer-actor Dolly Parton dies at 80
