Country music legend Dolly Parton passes away at 80

Iconic country music star, songwriter, and philanthropist Dolly Parton passed away on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at the age of 80. Her representative, Marcel Pariseau, confirmed that she died at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville, Tennessee, following a brief battle with cancer—a diagnosis she had kept private. Family members, including her nephew Bryan Silver, announced the news shortly after her passing, noting she was surrounded by loved ones.

Throughout a career spanning nearly six decades, Parton sold over 100 million records and earned 11 Grammy awards, including a Lifetime Achievement Award. Beyond her musical success, she was a dedicated philanthropist, notably founding the "Imagination Library" which provided over 300 million books to children. Her business acumen, highlighted by her decision to retain rights to her songs—such as "I Will Always Love You"—contributed to an estate estimated at approximately 450 million dollars.

Born into poverty in the Appalachian region in 1946, Parton became a global cultural icon. She remained active in her final days, having spoken about her health and the importance of her legacy in recent interviews. Her sister, Stella Parton, confirmed that the singer remained dedicated to helping others until the end of her life.