Dolly Parton, the country music icon whose poignant songwriting, and sparkling costumes defined her rise from her East Tennessee roots to the height of stardom, has died. She was 80 years old. Parton passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 25, in Nashville, Tennessee.
The news was announced via an Instagram post on Parton’s official account by her nephew, Bryan Seaver.
A Career of Unprecedented Success
Dolly Parton dead at 80
Over a career spanning more than six decades, Parton became one of the best-selling music artists of all time, selling more than 100 million records worldwide. She achieved 25 number-one singles and 41 Top 10 country albums. Among her most recognizable works are the classics “Jolene” and I Will Always Love You.
Parton’s influence extended into the film industry, most notably with the 1980 hit comedy 9 to 5. Her success led to her induction into both the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. In 2023, she appeared on the Superstar Power Hour with Audacy’s Katie Neal to discuss her project Rockstar, which featured an all-star list of collaborators on her favorite Rock tracks.
Health Challenges and Resilience
Dolly Parton, music icon, dies at 80
Behind her high-spirited public persona, Parton was open about health challenges throughout her life, including struggles with endometriosis, infertility, and depression. In recent years, she faced kidney stones and other health issues. In 2025, she announced she would not be able to perform at her scheduled December residency at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. At the time, she shared that many were aware she had been dealing with health challenges and that her doctors had advised her that she must undergo a few procedures.
Legacy and Tributes
President Donald Trump paid tribute to the late icon, announcing that he would be lowering the American flag for one week. Trump wrote on social media that there had never been anyone like her and never would be, describing her death as a true loss for millions of people.
Dolly Parton, Country Music Icon, Dies at 80
Jane Fonda, Parton’s friend and co-star in 9 to 5, expressed her grief on Instagram. Fonda wrote that Dolly would always be with everyone because she was so present, powerful, generous, and playful that she was woven into all their lives and hearts forever. She added that they have their memories of her, her songs, Dollywood, “9to5,” the millions of books she got into the hands of children, and all the iconic images that bring her to them, noting that these are all blessings and that everyone should be grateful for all she left behind to ease their sadness now.
Parton’s philanthropic impact was significant, including a $1 million donation that helped fund early research connected with the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. Regarding her passing, the special edition Dolly Parton: An American Original – A Special Edition of 20/20 is scheduled to air tonight, August 25, at 10/9c on ABC, with streaming available the next day on Disney+ and Hulu.