NASHVILLE, Tenn. | Dolly Parton, the country music legend whose songs, films, business ventures and philanthropy touched generations of fans around the world, has died at 80.
Parton died peacefully Tuesday, Aug. 25, in Nashville after a brief battle with cancer, according to a statement from her publicist. She died at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center surrounded by loved ones. Her representatives said a small private funeral service will be held for immediate family.
Her death brought an outpouring of tributes from musicians, entertainers, political leaders and fans. Parton’s nephew, Bryan Seaver, announced her death in a video message, describing her as someone who opened doors for others and changed history through her example.
Parton was born Jan. 19, 1946, in rural Tennessee, the fourth of 12 children in a family that lived in poverty. She began singing as a child in church and made her debut at the Grand Ole Opry at just 13. Her partnership with country star Porter Wagoner in the 1960s helped launch her career as a major Nashville performer.
She went on to become one of the most successful country artists in history, writing and recording songs that crossed into mainstream pop culture. Among her best-known works are “Jolene,” “9 to 5” and “I Will Always Love You.” The latter became a worldwide hit again when Whitney Houston recorded it for the 1992 film The Bodyguard.
Parton’s talents extended well beyond music. She became a successful actress, starring in films including 9 to 5 and Steel Magnolias, and later expanded her career into television, theater, publishing and business. She also helped transform the tourism industry in her native Tennessee through Dollywood, the theme park near Pigeon Forge.
Her influence was equally significant outside entertainment. In 1995, Parton established Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in honor of her father, who had been unable to read and write. The program provides free books to children from birth to age five in participating communities. It has since distributed more than 300 million books across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia and Ireland.
Parton was also known for supporting disaster relief, education and medical research. She donated $1 million to Vanderbilt University Medical Center, a contribution that supported research connected to the development of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.
Her death comes five months after the death of her husband, Carl Dean, whom she married in 1966. Dean died in March 2025 after nearly 60 years of marriage. Parton had spoken publicly in recent months about the emotional and physical toll of losing him.
Parton’s legacy reaches far beyond her record sales and awards. She rose from a poor family in the Tennessee mountains to become a global entertainment icon while using much of her success to support children, education and communities. Her Imagination Library, music and Dollywood are expected to remain lasting parts of that legacy.
Dolly Parton was 80.
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Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
