Dolly Parton, Country Music Legend, Dies at 80

Dolly Parton, a celebrated country music icon, died on August 25, 2026, at the age of 80. Her family announced her death, with the cause not disclosed.

Born on January 19, 1946, in Locust Ridge, Tennessee, Parton was the fourth of 12 children and grew up in a poor Appalachian family, which influenced her songwriting. Over her career, she wrote approximately 3,000 songs, with notable hits including “Jolene,” “Coat of Many Colors,” and “I Will Always Love You.” Parton expanded her career into Hollywood and became a significant business figure with Dollywood, a prominent theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.

She also founded the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, promoting children's literacy by providing free books. Her philanthropic efforts included a $1 million donation for COVID-19 vaccine research.

Parton won 10 Grammy Awards and received 55 nominations, was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, and left a legacy that influenced generations.