Dolly Parton, an icon in music and film, has died. She was 80 years old. Her death was confirmed in a video statement shared on her social media, revealing that she had died peacefully at home in Nashville.
© Tim MosenfelderThe news was confirmed by Bryan Seaver, the son of Dolly's sister, Cassie. "I’m representing the Parton and Owens family today, announcing the passing of my aunt, Dolly Rebecca Parton Dean, Sister, Sis and Granny to one generation and Gigi to the next,” he says in the video.
“This video announcement is something Dolly asked of me years ago, before I fully absorbed it as a future reality. As her head of security for more than two decades, a role my father Larry held before me, I have imagined the heaviness of this moment but haven’t truly felt it until now.”
The video went on to acknowledge Parton's achievements and the love her family and the world had for her. “My family and I have shared a lifetime of beautiful memories with Dolly, but so have you. She has always been on your television, your record player, your CD and on your phone playlist, becoming an extended part of your family whether you liked it or not."
Seaver went on to say that he and his family would continue to work hard on preserving Dolly's incredible legacy.
"Our family and the team she has entrusted with her legacy will work diligently to ensure her spirit will live with us forever. Dolly was a farmer, just like her daddy; he farmed the soil, she farmed songs and happiness. Dolly called me and said she wants to rest in a beautiful bed of plush cotton because after a life of wearing heavy rhinestones, she finally deserves to be comfortable and have some rest.”
Over the past couple of years, Parton had been struggling with her health, with her canceling numerous performances. In a video statement, she revealed that she was dealing with health concerns that arose throughout her husband's illness, while she was caring for him.
Carl Dean died in March 2025.
© The Grosby GroupParton's career as a musician and actress
Parton has led a long and prolific career as a performer, becoming the best-selling female country artist of all time. She rose to prominence in the '60s and went on to write and perform chart-topping hits like "Jolene," "I Will Always Love You," "Light of a Clear Blue Morning," and more.
By the '80s, Parton began her movie career, starring in "9 to 5," alongside Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda. She also wrote and performed the movie's iconic theme song. She starred in Hollywood hits like "Steel Magnolias" and "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas."
Her list of awards is incredible and a testament to her towering career. They include an Emmy, 11 Grammys, two Academy Award nominations, and an honorary Oscar.
© Richard E. Aaron
