AMERICAN CULTURAL ICON DOLLY PARTON DIED AGE 80

NASHVILLE, TN – August 25, 2026 – Dolly Parton, the universally acclaimed “Queen of Country,” legendary singer-songwriter, actress, entrepreneur, and world-renowned philanthropist, passed away peacefully today at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville, Tennessee, surrounded by loved ones. She was 80 years old. Her representatives confirmed that her passing followed a private, brief battle with cancer.

Over a legendary career spanning seven decades, Ms. Parton became one of the most decorated and beloved figures in global entertainment history. She sold more than 100 million records, composed over 3,000 songs—including enduring masterpieces such as “Jolene,” “9 to 5,” and “I Will Always Love You”—and achieved rare EGOT-nominee status, earning 11 Grammy Awards and 50 nominations.

Beyond her unparalleled musical and cinematic achievements, Ms. Parton built a vast business and humanitarian empire. Her Dollywood theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, remains an economic cornerstone for the Appalachian region. Her crowning philanthropic achievement, the Imagination Library, has gifted more than 300 million free books to young children worldwide, fostering early childhood literacy globally.

Ms. Parton was preceded in death by her beloved husband of nearly 60 years, Carl Thomas Dean, who passed away in March 2025.

Details regarding a public memorial service and opportunities for charitable contributions in her honor will be announced by the family in the coming days. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Imagination Library or the Dollywood Foundation.