Dolly Parton, the legendary American singer, songwriter, actress and philanthropist, has died at the age of 80 following what her representatives described as a “brief battle with cancer.”
Parton died on August 25, 2026, at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville, Tennessee, surrounded by loved ones, according to a statement from her team. The specific type of cancer she had has not been publicly disclosed.
Her representatives said that Parton had been facing a brief battle with cancer before her death. Her family separately confirmed her passing, while an announcement on Parton’s official website stated that she died peacefully in Nashville.
Parton had spoken publicly about health challenges shortly before her death. However, she had not previously announced a cancer diagnosis.
A Career That Spanned Seven Decades
Born Dolly Rebecca Parton on January 19, 1946, in Tennessee, she became one of the most recognizable figures in country music and one of the most successful singer-songwriters of her generation.
Her career spanned about seven decades and included some of country music’s most enduring songs, including “Jolene,” “Coat of Many Colors,” “9 to 5,” and “I Will Always Love You.”
Parton sold more than 100 million records worldwide and received 11 Grammy Awards, including a Lifetime Achievement Award. She was also inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Her influence extended well beyond music. Parton appeared in films including 9 to 5, Steel Magnolias and The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, while also building a major business and philanthropic legacy.
A Legacy of Philanthropy
Parton was widely recognized for her charitable work, particularly through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, which has distributed hundreds of millions of books to children.
She also made a notable contribution to medical research. In 2020, Parton donated $1 million to Vanderbilt University Medical Center to support research that contributed to the development of Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine.
Her representatives reflected on that legacy in announcing her death, describing the generosity and humanitarian work that accompanied her decades-long career.
Parton’s husband of nearly 60 years, Carl Thomas Dean, died in March 2025 at the age of 82.
According to her official website, a small private service will be held for immediate family. The family has asked those wishing to honor Parton to support Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library instead of sending flowers.
Dolly Parton was 80 years old.
Discover more articles like this on OncoDaily.