Dolly Parton, the beloved country music legend behind timeless hits including “Jolene,” “9 to 5” and “I Will Always Love You,” has died at the age of 80. The singer’s nephew announced her death in an Instagram video on Tuesday, August 25.
News of Parton’s death arrived only four days after she publicly addressed her ongoing health struggles and revealed that she had neglected her own well-being while caring for her late husband, Carl Dean. A cause of death was not disclosed in the initial report.
Parton spoke candidly about her condition during an August 21 interview with PEOPLE, acknowledging that her health had declined following Dean’s death in March 2025. “As I’ve shared in video messages throughout the past year, I am dealing with some health issues that I just didn’t pay attention to when I was watching over Carl,” she said.
“You know, this isn’t the first time I’ve had to manage something like this,” the country music star continued. “Back in the early ’80s, I was down for several months with female issues, and I was struggling with my weight at the time too, so it’s not like I haven’t been through hard times with my health.”
Despite her condition, the country icon made it clear that she remained focused on her work and the many projects she still hoped to complete. Her final months included several public signs that her health was affecting her schedule. Parton appeared virtually at the opening of a new Dollywood attraction after her doctors advised her against traveling.
She had also canceled her Las Vegas residency after previously postponing the shows because of health concerns. In May, the Associated Press reported that Parton said she was responding well to medication and treatment, but needed more time before she could perform at her usual level.
Country Music Icon Built A Career That Spanned Decades
Parton’s death marks the end of a remarkable career that transformed country music and established her as one of the most recognizable entertainers in the world. Born in Pittman Center, Tennessee, in 1946, Parton was one of 12 children raised in a family that struggled financially.
Her interest in music emerged early. Parton began singing in her grandfather’s church and playing guitar when she was 6 years old. She reportedly began writing songs the following year.
After graduating from high school, she moved to Nashville in 1964 to pursue a career in music. Her debut album, “Hello, I’m Dolly,” was released in 1967.
Parton’s career gained momentum when Porter Wagoner hired her to appear on “The Porter Wagoner Show.” Their professional partnership helped her secure a recording contract and introduced her to a wider country music audience.
Dolly Parton’s Songs Became Global Classics
Parton earned her first No. 1 country single with “Joshua” in 1971. She followed it with songs including “Coat of Many Colors” and “Jolene,” which became one of the defining recordings of her career.
She wrote “I Will Always Love You” while preparing to end her professional partnership with Wagoner. Parton’s original version topped the country chart before Whitney Houston transformed the song into a global phenomenon with her recording for “The Bodyguard.”
Parton also crossed into film, starring alongside Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin in the 1980 comedy “9 to 5.” The movie’s title song reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. Her other film credits included “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas,” “Rhinestone,” “Steel Magnolias” and “Joyful Noise.”
The Singer’s Legacy Extended Beyond Entertainment
Parton earned 11 Grammy Awards, 10 Country Music Association Awards and seven Academy of Country Music Awards during her career. She also received two Academy Award nominations and was selected for an honorary Oscar. She was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1999 and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2022.
Outside entertainment, Parton became closely associated with children’s literacy through her Imagination Library. The program provides free books to children from birth until age 5 and was inspired partly by her father’s inability to read or write.
Dolly Parton Leaves Behind A Legacy Far Beyond Country Music
Parton was preceded in death by Dean, her husband of nearly 60 years. The couple married in 1966 and maintained an famously private relationship while she built her public career.
From her songwriting and unmistakable voice to her philanthropy and sharp sense of humor, Parton leaves behind a legacy that reaches far beyond country music.
