Singer-songwriter and actress Dolly Parton, one of the biggest stars in country music history, died Aug. 25 at the age of 80. Dolly Parton was hospitalized just days before her death.
According to PEOPLE, the country music legend was admitted to a hospital on Friday, Aug. 21. Parton, who lived outside Nashville, Tennessee, remained there until her death four days later on Aug. 25.
Parton became famous for her country music but also found major success in pop music, movies and television. Her family did not reveal a cause of death, saying only that she died peacefully in Nashville.
News of her death was announced on Parton’s official Instagram account. Her nephew, Bryan Seaver, shared the news in a video on behalf of the Parton family.
According to PEOPLE, Parton gave fans an update on her health on Friday, Aug. 21, revealing that she had been struggling with her health following the March 2025 death of her longtime husband, Carl Dean.
“As I’ve shared in video messages throughout the past year, I am dealing with some health issues that I just didn’t pay attention to when I was watching over Carl. You know, this isn’t the first time I’ve had to manage something like this. Back in the early ’80s, I was down for several months with female issues, and I was struggling with my weight at the time too, so it’s not like I haven’t been through hard times with my health,” Parton said.
She continued: “But I think because we live in a 24/7 world with social media, everything gets magnified in ways it wasn’t years ago. I used to joke that I was the Queen of the Tabloids, but now I guess I can say I’m the Queen of Social Media AI! Seriously, though, even though I’m still healin’, I’m still workin’! You know me — as I’ve often said — I’ve dreamed myself into a corner and I still have so many things I want to achieve, so I’m gonna keep on working as long as I can to see everything come to life.”
Per Dolly’s obituary per Variety, “A rhinestone life that shone bright enough for the world to see, Dolly will forever stand as an inspiration not only through her timeless music and prolific songwriting, but also her wit, warmth, and kindness that made us all feel like family. Dolly Parton’s legacy is one of love, compassion, and resilience. With a seven-decade career, she inspired multiple generations of artists and fans with her music and an unwavering commitment to making the world a better place. Her songs will continue to resonate with people of all ages, and her philanthropic work will have a lasting impact.”
Dolly Parton was one of the most famous and beloved entertainers in American music history. Over a career that lasted more than six decades, she became a country music legend while also finding success as a songwriter, actress, businesswoman and philanthropist.
Parton was born Dolly Rebecca Parton on January 19, 1946, in Sevier County, Tennessee. She grew up in a large family as one of 12 children. Her family had very little money, and Parton often spoke about growing up in a small home in the mountains of East Tennessee. Those childhood experiences later inspired many of her songs, including the classic “Coat of Many Colors.”
Music became an important part of Parton’s life at an early age. She performed as a child on local radio and television programs and began recording music while she was still young. After graduating from high school in 1964, she moved to Nashville to pursue a career in country music.
Her career took off after she joined singer Porter Wagoner on his television show in 1967. Parton and Wagoner became a popular country music team, recording several successful duets together. At the same time, Parton continued building her own solo career.
By the 1970s, she had become one of country music’s biggest stars. Her best-known songs included “Jolene,” “I Will Always Love You,” “9 to 5” and “Here You Come Again.” Parton was also a gifted songwriter who wrote or co-wrote thousands of songs during her career.
“I Will Always Love You” became especially important to her legacy. Parton originally released the song in 1974. Whitney Houston later recorded a powerful version for the 1992 movie The Bodyguard, turning it into one of the biggest-selling singles of all time.
Parton also became a successful actress. She made her major movie debut alongside Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin in the 1980 comedy 9 to 5. The movie was a major hit, and Parton wrote and performed its famous title song.
She went on to appear in movies including The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, Rhinestone, Steel Magnolias and Straight Talk. Her warm personality, humor and recognizable style helped make her a star far beyond country music.
Parton was also a successful businesswoman. In 1986, she became involved with the Tennessee theme park that was renamed Dollywood. Located near where she grew up, Dollywood became one of Tennessee’s best-known tourist attractions and helped provide jobs and economic opportunities in the region.
Away from entertainment, Parton became known for her charitable work. She founded the Imagination Library, a program that provides free books to young children. The program began in Tennessee and eventually expanded internationally, distributing hundreds of millions of books.
Her work earned her countless honors. Parton was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1999 and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2022. She also received numerous Grammy Awards and other major honors during her long career.
Parton married businessman Carl Dean in 1966. The couple remained married until Dean’s death in March 2025 at age 82. Although Parton lived much of her life in the public eye, Dean largely stayed away from the spotlight. They did not have children.
Through her music, movies, businesses and charitable work, Parton built a legacy that reached far beyond Nashville. Her songs crossed generations and musical genres, while her personality made her one of the most recognizable figures in entertainment. From her humble childhood in the Tennessee mountains to international superstardom, Dolly Parton became an enduring symbol of country music and American popular culture.
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