Country singer Dolly Parton died Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at the age of 80, and tributes followed within hours from three former U.S. presidents, sitting officials and fellow musicians.
Avisen Danmark reports that Parton is being honored by American musicians, actors and politicians after news of her death emerged Tuesday. The outlet, citing Ritzau, said she died at 80 following a short battle with cancer.
Reuters reported that her family confirmed the death in a statement, and that her publicist said she died peacefully in Nashville. Reuters also noted that no cause of death was disclosed when the first family statement appeared. Per NPR, the death was confirmed by her representatives and in a video posted by her nephew, Bryan Seaver.
CNN reported that publicist Marcel Pariseau later attributed the death to a brief battle with cancer, and that a small private service would be held for close family. According to the BBC, Parton had been treated at a hospital in Nashville, and her team described her legacy as one of love, compassion and resilience.
President Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social that her death was a great loss for millions of people. He said there had never been anyone like her, and ordered the American flag flown at half staff nationwide for one week, starting at 6 p.m. Tuesday.
Former President Barack Obama wrote on X that few people have had a greater impact. He noted that Parton was born in a one-room cabin, won 11 Grammys and an Emmy, built a business empire, helped millions of children learn to read, and helped accelerate the research behind Moderna’s covid-19 vaccine. Former President Bill Clinton described her as a songwriter and performer who told the stories of everyday Americans, adding that she never forgot her East Tennessee roots.
Former President George W. Bush and his wife, Laura Bush, said in a statement reported by CNN that they respected her work on literacy, health and local communities. Secretary of State Marco Rubio wrote on X that the nation had lost an American icon and an ambassador for American music and entertainment.
Beyoncé Knowles, who worked with Parton on the album “Cowboy Carter,” wrote on her website that Parton was the barometer and the north star. Country musician Reba McEntire posted on Instagram that she would never forget their first meeting or their last conversation.
Other celebrities also posted tributes. Sabrina Carpenter, who recorded a song with Parton, wrote on Instagram that she would treasure their conversations and Parton’s humor. The family of the late Kenny Rogers, Parton’s duet partner on “Islands in the Stream,” said her bond with him came straight from the heart, while actor Jamie Lee Curtis called her an example for everyone.
