Country music legend Dolly Parton has died at the age of 80, according to a statement shared by her family on Instagram.
Her nephew, Brian Seaver, announced the news on August 25 on behalf of the Parton and Owens families. In a video message, Seaver said Parton had personally asked him years earlier to make the announcement when the time came.
Seaver described the responsibility as something he had known about for years but had struggled to imagine becoming reality.
Just days before her death, Parton had spoken publicly about ongoing health issues. On August 21, she said she had neglected some of her own health needs while caring for her husband, Carl Dean, who died in March 2025.
Despite those challenges, Parton said she remained committed to working and hoped to continue bringing her projects to life for as long as possible.
Born in Tennessee in 1946, Parton moved to Nashville after graduating from high school in 1964. She released her debut album, Hello, I’m Dolly, in 1967 and went on to become one of the most successful figures in country music, selling more than 160 million albums worldwide.
Her best-known songs include “Jolene,” “9 to 5,” and “I Will Always Love You.” Beyond music, Parton built a major career in acting, business, and philanthropy, becoming one of the most recognizable entertainers of her generation.