By Julian Osamoto
Country music legend Dolly Parton has died at the age of 80.
Parton’s death was announced by her nephew, Bryan Seaver, in a statement shared on Instagram on Tuesday.
The singer-songwriter, who rose from humble beginnings in Tennessee to become one of the world’s most celebrated entertainers, had a career spanning more than six decades.
Parton sold more than 100 million records worldwide and became known as the “Queen of Country Music.”
She recorded several international hits, including Jolene, 9 to 5 and I Will Always Love You, which was later famously performed by Whitney Houston.
Beyond music, Parton enjoyed a successful acting career, appearing in films including 9 to 5, Steel Magnolias and Joyful Noise.
She also became known for her philanthropy through the Dollywood Foundation’s Imagination Library, which promotes childhood literacy.
Parton won 11 Grammy Awards and was awarded the Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy in 2022.
Following her death, United States President Donald Trump described her passing as a “true loss for millions of people” and ordered American flags to be lowered across the country for one week in her honour.
Parton’s death comes months after the passing of her husband of nearly 60 years, Carl Dean, who died in March 2025 at the age of 82.
The couple married in 1966.
Dolly Parton is survived by her legacy as one of the most influential figures in country music and popular culture.
