NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Dolly Parton, the legendary singer-songwriter whose music, personality and generosity made her one of America’s most beloved entertainers, has died. She was 80.
Parton died peacefully Tuesday in Nashville, according to a statement from her publicist. Her family also confirmed her death. A cause was not immediately disclosed.
Born Jan. 19, 1946, in rural East Tennessee, Parton grew up as one of 12 children before building a career that stretched nearly six decades. She wrote thousands of songs and became known worldwide for classics including “Jolene,” “Coat of Many Colors,” “9 to 5” and “I Will Always Love You.”
Her success extended beyond country music. Parton sold more than 100 million records, crossed onto the pop charts and appeared in films including “9 to 5” and “Steel Magnolias.” She received numerous honors throughout her career and was inducted into both the Country Music Hall of Fame and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Parton also created the Dollywood theme park in Tennessee and became one of the country’s most prominent philanthropists. Her Imagination Library has distributed hundreds of millions of free books to children around the world. She also supported communities affected by wildfires and other natural disasters, including establishing the My People Fund to assist families who lost their homes in the 2016 Great Smoky Mountains wildfires.
Despite her unmistakable appearance and larger-than-life public personality, Parton frequently said songwriting was the accomplishment she valued most.
“The songs are my legacy,” she once said.
Parton’s husband of nearly 60 years, Carl Dean, died in March 2025 at age 82.
She leaves behind a musical and humanitarian legacy that crossed generations and reached far beyond the country music community. Funeral and memorial arrangements have not yet been announced.
