Country music legend Dolly Parton has died aged 80 after a brief battle with cancer, according to a statement from her team.
The death of the singer-songwriter was announced by her nephew, Bryan Seaver, in a video message that had been planned by Parton. Her family said she had requested a small, private funeral service for immediate relatives.
Parton, whose career spanned seven decades, became one of the most recognisable figures in country music with songs including Jolene, 9 to 5, Here You Come Again and I Will Always Love You.
Her death has triggered an outpouring of tributes from musicians, actors, political figures and fans worldwide.
Pop star Katy Perry described Parton as someone people could look up to and praised her as glamorous, funny and kind. Country singer Kacey Musgraves said the world was less sparkly without Dolly.
Taylor Swift also paid tribute, saying a world without Parton did not feel possible while praising the generosity and influence she showed throughout her life. Beyoncé, who worked with Parton on a reworked version of Jolene for Cowboy Carter, described her as a “north star for the music industry.
Parton had spoken about her health shortly before her death. In an interview with People on August 21, she said she was dealing with health issues that she had neglected while caring for her husband, Carl Dean. She added that she was healing and still working.
Her final appearance came through a video message at the Academy of Country Music Honours in Nashville on August 19, where she accepted the Poet’s Award. Parton said songwriting remained central to her identity and described it as her therapy, joy and a gift from God.
Beyond music, Parton was renowned for her philanthropy. Her Imagination Library initiative has provided free books to children, while she also supported education and other community causes. Her charitable work was sometimes carried out anonymously, including funding music programmes at Black high schools across the American South.
Parton also built an entertainment legacy through Dollywood, the Tennessee theme park she helped create. Following her death, the park said it would remain open in accordance with her wishes and continue as a place of joy, hope and togetherness.
Her songs often drew from her life. Coat of Many Colors reflected her childhood poverty, while My Tennessee Mountain Home recalled her upbringing in a two-room cabin. I Will Always Love You was originally written as a farewell to her longtime professional partner, Porter Wagoner.
Parton’s death marks the end of an career that combined music, acting, business and philanthropy. Her influence extended across generations, and tributes around the world reflected the breadth of her legacy.
