Dolly Parton, the American singer, songwriter, actress and philanthropist whose career spanned more than six decades, died on Tuesday, August 25, at the age of 80.

Parton died in Nashville, Tennessee, after a brief battle with cancer, according to her family and representatives.

Her nephew, Bryan Seaver, announced her death in a video posted to Parton’s official Instagram account. Seaver said Parton had asked him years ago to make the announcement when the time came. The initial statement did not give a cause of death.

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Her representatives later said she had died at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, surrounded by loved ones. They did not disclose the type of cancer or when she was diagnosed.

Her death came after a difficult period. Her husband, Carl Dean, died in March 2025 aged 58.

Parton had said earlier this year that she had not taken proper care of herself while caring for him. She had also cancelled a scheduled appearance at Dollywood earlier in August after her doctor advised her not to travel amid health concerns including dehydration and dizziness.

She had previously spoken about immune-system, digestive and kidney problems.

From Tennessee to country music

Parton was born on January 19, 1946, in Locust Ridge, Tennessee, and grew up as one of 12 children in a poor family.

She began performing as a child and moved to Nashville after finishing high school. Her career developed through both songwriting and performing, eventually making her one of the most commercially successful figures in country music.

Parton wrote more than 3,000 songs during her career.

Among her best-known songs are "Jolene,” "Coat of Many Colors” and "I Will Always Love You.”

"I Will Always Love You,” which Parton wrote after ending her professional partnership with country singer Porter Wagoner, became an international hit, decades later when Whitney Houston recorded it for the 1992 film The Bodyguard.

Parton also wrote and performed "9 to 5” for the 1980 film of the same name, in which she starred alongside Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin.

She sold more than 100 million records worldwide and received numerous major awards during her career.

Film and television

Parton also established a career as an actress and television performer.

Her film credits included 9 to 5, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas and Steel Magnolias. She also continued producing and appearing in television projects and films based around her music.

Her work across country music, pop culture and film helped introduce her music to audiences beyond the traditional country-music market.

Business beyond music

Parton was also involved in business and tourism through Dollywood, the Tennessee theme park associated with her name.

The park became a major tourist attraction and employer in the state. In 2022, Dollywood announced that it would cover tuition and fees for employees pursuing higher education.

Before her death, Parton was also involved in plans for Dolly: A True Original Musical, a Broadway production based on her life and music.

The Imagination Library

Parton’s work outside entertainment included the creation of the Imagination Library.

Launched in 1995 through the Dollywood Foundation, the programme provides free books to children from birth until they begin school. It expanded from Tennessee to other parts of the United States and internationally and has distributed more than 300 million books.

Parton also donated $1 million to Vanderbilt University Medical Center during the COVID-19 pandemic to support research into the virus. The research was associated with work that contributed to the development of the Moderna vaccine.

Awards and recognition

Parton received 10 Grammy Awards from 55 nominations, according to the Recording Academy. She also received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2011.

She was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Her career ultimately crossed several areas of American popular culture, from country music and songwriting to film, television, business and philanthropy.

Funeral arrangements

Parton’s family said a small, private funeral service would be held for close relatives.

The family has asked that, instead of flowers, people consider donating to the Imagination Library.

No further public memorial arrangements had been announced at the time of publication.

Meanwhile, President Donald Trump said US flags will be lowered for a week in her honour.