Dolly Parton death latest: Queen of country dies aged 80 after health battle
Dolly Parton death latest: Queen of country dies aged 80 after health battle
The music icon, who was known for timeless hits including ‘9 to 5’ and ‘Jolene,’ wrote more than 3,000 songs across her illustrious career
Tuesday 25 August 2026
Dolly Parton, the Queen of Country music, has died aged 80.
Her nephew, Bryan Seaver, announced the news on behalf of the family on Tuesday, saying: “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.”
Seaver added: “It is an honor, an honor that is mixed with absolute pride and great sadness. But sadness lies with us, not with Dolly. Dolly has lived in the light and is in the arms of Jesus, surely met by Carl, her parents and countless others who have watched her and longed to meet her in the heavens.”
The singer, best known for her legendary hits including “9 to 5” and “Jolene,” had shared an update on her health August 21, acknowledging her recent decline after the March 2025 death of her husband, Carl Dean.
“I am dealing with some health issues that I just didn’t pay attention to when I was watching over Carl,” Parton told People.
Henry Winkler says it's a 'sad day for America'
Actor Henry Winkler said in a post on X: “What a sad day for America what a sad day for the world what a sad day for the [Parton] family.”
“Dolly!” he wrote. “We will miss you in more ways than one can say you were a treasure on this earth.”
Winkler directed the 1986 film A Smoky Mountain Christmas, which starred Parton as country singer Lorna Davis.
Full statement from Dolly Parton's family
“Hey everyone, my name is Bryan Seaver, son of Cassie Parton, and I am representing the Parton and Owens family today announcing the passing of my Aunt Dolly Rebecca Parton Dean,” Seaver announced in a video statement shared to Parton’s social media accounts.
“Sister, sis, Aunt Granny to one generation and Gigi to the next. 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. It is an honor, an honor mixed with absolute pride and great sadness,” he said.
“But sadness lies with us, not with Dolly. Dolly has lived in the light and is in the arms of Jesus, surely met by Carl, her parents and countless others who have watched her and longed for her to meet them in the heavens.”
He continued: “I first went on the road with Dolly as a kid, getting a taste of the road life in the 1980s. Dolly opened doors, not just for me, but for her entire family to reach the potential we didn’t even know was possible.
“Dolly also opened doors for generations of singers, songwriters, musicians, and dreamers from every walk of life and across every continent.”
“By her example, we believed that anything was possible. She never saw a door she couldn't open, and the doors she opened made and changed history. 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,” he said. “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 wearing heavy rhinestones, she finally deserves to be comfortable and have some rest.”
He concluded: “Rest in peace, Aunt Dolly. Aunt Granny. Gigi. May God bless Dolly Parton, and may God bless you all. She will always love you.”
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