Dolly Parton, the American singer known as the queen of country music, has died at the age of 80. Danish broadcaster DR marked her death with a collection of eight of her best known remarks.
DR reports that Parton has died at 80, and that she leaves behind more than a large music catalog. The broadcaster writes that she was also known for humorous and reflective statements that ended up on posters, coffee mugs and social media.
According to Reuters, Parton died on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, in Nashville, Tennessee. Her family announced the death, and her publicist, Marcel Pariseau, said she died peacefully. CNN adds that she died at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center after a brief battle with cancer.
As reported by NPR, the death was announced in a video message from her nephew Bryan Seaver, posted on her social media accounts. The Associated Press initially reported that no cause of death had been disclosed, before her publicist confirmed the cancer diagnosis. CNN also states that a small, private service is planned for immediate family.
Per DR, Parton received 190 awards during a career spanning 60 years. The broadcaster notes that she was given an honorary award at the Grammy Awards in 2011 and another honorary award at the Country Music Awards in 2016.
DR writes that Parton was a prominent advocate for LGBTQ rights throughout her career, and that she spoke at the GLAAD Awards in 2011. One of the eight statements selected by the broadcaster concerns her support for same-sex marriage, delivered with her characteristic dry humor. Another addresses her own appearance and the cost of maintaining it.
Health disclosures and official tributes
Reuters notes that Parton had spoken about her health shortly before her death. She told People magazine days earlier that she was going through hard times with her health, but intended to keep working. Forbes cites her saying she had health issues she had not attended to while caring for her husband, who died in 2025.
A presidential proclamation from the White House, dated August 25, 2026, orders U.S. flags flown at half-staff as a mark of respect for her memory. The order covers the White House, public buildings, military posts and U.S. facilities worldwide until sunset on September 1, 2026.
DR writes that Parton’s death is being marked across political lines throughout the United States. The final statement in the broadcaster’s selection concerns her wish to die on stage, in the middle of a song, doing what she loved.
