Khloé Kardashian is mourning the death of Dolly Parton with an emotional tribute to the country music legend, reflecting on the rare privilege of knowing the woman behind some of music’s most enduring songs.
Parton died Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at age 80. Her nephew Bryan Seaver announced her death in a video shared on social media on behalf of the Parton and Owens family. A representative also confirmed that Parton died peacefully in Nashville.
© Miller Mobley/NBC via Getty ImagShortly after news of Parton’s death broke, Kardashian shared several Instagram Stories honoring the singer, songwriter, actress and philanthropist. “I am heartbroken,” Kardashian wrote over a photo of herself posing beside Parton, adding, “My sweet Dolly.”
Her tribute became even more personal as she reflected on the time she had spent with Parton and what it meant to be remembered by one of the biggest stars in entertainment history.
Khloé Kardashian shares emotional Dolly Parton tribute
In one Instagram Story, Kardashian described Parton as an extraordinary person whose impact seemed almost larger than life. “Some people are so extraordinary, their existence feels almost impossible. Dolly was one of those people,” Kardashian wrote.
She continued by remembering Parton as a “once-in-a-lifetime soul” whose “light, heart, talent and humanity changed this world forever.”
© Khloé KardashianKardashian also revealed just how much their personal encounters meant to her. She said that admiring Parton had been a gift, but actually meeting her, spending time with her and knowing that Parton remembered her name was something she struggled to put into words. “What an astronomical human being. What a legacy. What a loss,” Kardashian concluded. “There will never be another Dolly.”
The accompanying photo showed the two women smiling together, with Kardashian wearing a black cowboy hat as she stood beside Parton.
© Khloé KardashianKhloé Kardashian says Dolly Parton is reunited with Carl Dean
Kardashian’s final message touched on Parton’s nearly six-decade marriage to Carl Dean, who died in March 2025 at age 82. “My sweet Dolly,” Kardashian wrote. “You are with your hubby who I know you missed immensely. I also know that you are with your creator! God has you wrapped in His arms.”
She ended the message with, “God bless you forever and always” and “Thank you for EVERYTHING.”
© Khloé KardashianParton and Dean married in 1966 and remained together for nearly 59 years before his death. Although Dean famously avoided the spotlight throughout his wife’s extraordinary career, Parton repeatedly described the depth of their relationship and spoke candidly about how difficult life had been without him.
In a 2025 interview, Parton described theirs as a great love story and acknowledged the enormous loss of a relationship that had lasted most of her adult life.
© The Grosby GroupDolly Parton dies at 80 after legendary career
Parton’s death brings to a close one of the most influential careers in American entertainment.
Born in Tennessee in 1946, she rose from a childhood in a large, financially struggling family to become a defining figure in country music. Her catalog includes classics such as “Jolene,” “9 to 5,” “Coat of Many Colors” and “I Will Always Love You,” the latter of which became an international phenomenon when Whitney Houston recorded it for The Bodyguard.
© Getty ImagesParton also crossed successfully into Hollywood, starring in movies including 9 to 5 and Steel Magnolias. Her decades of work earned her 11 Grammy Awards, along with honors and recognition across music, film and television.
Her influence extended far beyond entertainment.
Parton founded the Imagination Library in 1995 after being inspired by her father’s inability to read and write. The literacy program grew internationally and has distributed free books to children around the world. Her official website says the program has been providing more than 2 million free books each month.
What was Dolly Parton’s cause of death?
Parton had recently spoken publicly about experiencing health problems, but a specific cause of death had not been announced as of Tuesday afternoon. Just four days before her death, Parton acknowledged that she had been dealing with health issues she had neglected while caring for Dean.
Despite those challenges, she indicated that she was still working and had projects she wanted to complete.
© Corbis via Getty ImagesHer death was subsequently confirmed by Seaver and her representative. According to a statement reported by Us Weekly, Parton died peacefully in Nashville, and a small private service is planned for immediate family members.
The family has encouraged fans to celebrate Parton’s life and requested donations to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in lieu of flowers.
