Country singer and songwriter Dolly Parton has died at the age of 80. Her death was announced on August 25, 2026, in a video posted by her nephew on her official social media accounts.
Parton, the American country star behind songs such as “Jolene”, “9 to 5” and “I Will Always Love You”, has died aged 80. DR reports that the death was made public in a video statement on behalf of her family.
The video was recorded by Bryan Seaver, who said announcing the death was an honor mixed with pride and great sadness. Per DR, Seaver said the grief belonged to the family and not to Parton, whom he described as being in the arms of Jesus.
Seaver is the son of Cassie Parton, Dolly Parton’s younger sister, and worked as head of her security. According to DR, Parton herself asked him years ago to deliver the news this way. USA Today, which published the full transcript, notes that Seaver spoke on behalf of the Parton and Owens family.
Reuters reports that Parton died on Tuesday, August 25, in Nashville, Tennessee, citing the family statement. CNN adds that she died peacefully at her residence in Nashville, and that a small private memorial service is planned for her immediate family.
No exact cause of death has been released. DR notes that the family did not specify one, and The New York Times also reports that no cause was provided. Variety reports the same.
Some outlets have published additional medical detail that the family has not confirmed. People reports that Parton was hospitalized four days before her death. Fox News Digital cites sources saying she was treated at Vanderbilt University Medical Center for kidney and autoimmune issues, while stressing that the official cause remains unclear.
Concerts canceled earlier in 2026
Parton had canceled six concerts scheduled for September 2026 in Las Vegas for health reasons. As DR reported in May 2026, she said she was undergoing medical treatment that left her dizzy. She did not state what she was being treated for.
In the announcement video, Seaver said Parton had opened doors for her family and for generations of singers, songwriters and musicians across continents. According to DR, the video ends with the phrase “I Will Always Love You” and a still image of Parton.
Parton was born on January 19, 1946, in Tennessee. NPR describes “I Will Always Love You” as one of her signature compositions, while Reuters refers to her as the queen of country music.
