Country music icon Dolly Parton has died at the age of 80.
Parton’s nephew, Brian Seaver, announced her death on Instagram on Tuesday, August 25, 2026.
“My name is Brin Seaver, son of Cassie Parton, and I’m representing the Parton and Owens family today announcing the passing of my aunt, Dolly Rebecca Parton Dean, Sister, Sis and Granny to one generation and Gigi to the next,” Seaver said in a video.
He said Parton had asked him years ago to make the announcement when the time came. Seaver had served as her head of security for more than two decades, following in the footsteps of his father, Larry.
Parton had canceled several concerts and public appearances over the past year because of health challenges. In May 2026, she announced the cancellation of a Las Vegas performance, saying she had been undergoing treatment for kidney stones for several years.
Born Dolly Rebecca Parton on January 19, 1946, in Pittman Center, Tennessee, Parton began her music career as a songwriter before releasing her debut album, Hello, I’m Dolly, in 1967.
The fourth of 12 children, Parton became one of the most successful figures in country music, earning 52 Grammy nominations and 11 wins. She was also inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Her biggest hits included “9 to 5,” “Here You Come Again” and “Islands in the Stream.” She also recorded 25 No. 1 songs on the Billboard Hot Country chart, including “Jolene,” “Yellow Roses,” “Think About Love” and “Tennessee Homesick Blues.”
Parton also enjoyed a successful acting career, starring in films such as 9 to 5 and The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas. Both performances earned her Golden Globe nominations for Best Actress.
Parton’s death comes about 17 months after the death of her husband of 58 years, Carl Dean, who died on March 3, 2025, in Nashville at the age of 82.
