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NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Dolly Parton, the Tennessee-born singer-songwriter who became one of the most recognizable figures in American music and entertainment, died Tuesday, Aug. 25, at age 80. Her death was announced by her family.
Parton’s career stretched across nearly six decades and reached far beyond country music. She wrote some of the genre’s most enduring songs, including “Jolene,” “Coat of Many Colors,” and “I Will Always Love You,” while selling more than 100 million records worldwide.
Born Jan. 19, 1946, in Tennessee, Parton grew up as one of 12 children. She began performing as a child and moved to Nashville after graduating from high school, eventually gaining national attention through her partnership with country performer Porter Wagoner.
Parton later established herself as a solo artist and songwriter whose music crossed into mainstream popular culture. “I Will Always Love You” became an international phenomenon years later when Whitney Houston recorded the song for the 1992 film The Bodyguard.
Her career also extended to Hollywood. Parton starred with Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin in the 1980 comedy 9 to 5 and later appeared in films including The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas and Steel Magnolias.
Parton received numerous honors during her career, including Grammy Awards and induction into both the Country Music Hall of Fame and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Away from entertainment, she became known for philanthropy, particularly through her Imagination Library, which provides books to children.
Her husband, Carl Dean, died in March 2025 after nearly six decades of marriage.
No official cause of Parton’s death had been announced as of Tuesday.
Parton leaves a legacy shaped by songwriting, performance, entrepreneurship, and charitable work that reached audiences around the world for generations.
Information source: https://people.com/dolly-parton-dead-7565853
