Global icon, country music legend and humanitarian Dolly Parton has died peacefully in Nashville, Tennessee, at the age of 80.
Dolly Parton, the beloved singer, songwriter, actress, author, philanthropist and playwright whose extraordinary career spanned seven decades, has died, according to the announcement provided by her representatives.
Born January 19, 1946, in Sevier County, Tennessee, Parton rose from humble beginnings in the Smoky Mountains to become one of the most celebrated and influential entertainers in the world. She began writing songs as a child, performed on radio and television at just 10 years old, made her Grand Ole Opry debut at 13 and moved to Nashville as a teenager.
Her extraordinary career produced some of the most enduring songs in American music, including “Jolene,” “Coat of Many Colors,” “9 to 5,” “I Will Always Love You,” “My Tennessee Mountain Home” and countless others. Parton first achieved national prominence through her partnership with Porter Wagoner before launching an enormously successful solo career. Her music ultimately crossed country, pop, adult contemporary, bluegrass, Christian and rock audiences, establishing her as an artist whose appeal transcended generations and genres.
She was equally celebrated beyond music. In 1980, Parton made her film debut in 9 to 5, beginning a successful acting career that included The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, Steel Magnolias, Rhinestone, Straight Talk and Joyful Noise. In 1986, she opened Dollywood in East Tennessee, creating an enduring entertainment destination and helping generate jobs and economic opportunity throughout the region. But for millions around the world, Dolly's greatest legacy may be the compassion she placed at the center of her public life. Through the Dollywood Foundation and Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, she helped provide educational opportunities and free books to children around the world. The Imagination Library, founded in 1995 and inspired in part by her father, has distributed more than 300 million books to children from birth through age five.
Her accomplishments were extraordinary. Parton received 11 Grammy Awards, including a Lifetime Achievement Award, 10 Country Music Association Awards, five Academy of Country Music Awards, four People's Choice Awards and four American Music Awards. She was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1999 and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2022. Billboard named her the No. 1 Country Music Artist of All Time in 2024. She sold more than 100 million albums worldwide and had 25 songs reach No. 1 on the Billboard Country chart, a record for a female artist. Yet statistics only tell part of the story. Dolly Parton's greatest gift was her ability to make extraordinary success feel personal. Through her humor, warmth, self-awareness and generosity, she became something larger than a superstar. She became a cultural member of the family: a figure whose songs were passed from parents to children and whose words of encouragement often carried as much meaning as her music.
Her life was, in many ways, a rhinestone-covered American story: a girl from the Tennessee mountains who dreamed beyond her circumstances, trusted her talent, built an unprecedented career and used her success to lift others. Dolly was preceded in death by her beloved husband of nearly six decades, Carl Thomas Dean (1942–2025), as well as her mother, Avie Lee Caroline Owens (1923–2003), and father, Robert Lee Parton Sr. (1921–2000). At Dolly's request, a small, private service will be held for immediate family. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that donations be made to Dolly Parton's Imagination Library.
STATEMENT FROM WORLD CHOICE INVESTMENTS/DOLLY PARTON'S STAMPEDE:
It is with profound sadness and deep gratitude that we remember Dolly Parton—an extraordinary artist and visionary partner. Almost 40 years ago we partnered with Dolly to create our venues that have welcomed millions of guests, created opportunities for thousands, and strengthened the communities we serve. Dolly’s impact, however, has always gone far beyond the destinations we’ve built together. “Working alongside Dolly Parton over the years has been one of the great honors of our company’s history,” said Jack Lawrence, CEO of World Choice Investments. “Our partnership was built on a shared commitment to creating meaningful, memorable experiences for families. Dolly’s vision elevated everything she touched, but it was her kindness and genuine love for people that left the greatest impression on all of us. Her legacy will continue to guide how we serve our guests and carry forward the traditions we built together.” A designated memorial has been placed at our Stampede locations in Pigeon Forge and Branson as well as our Pirates Voyage locations in Myrtle Beach and Panama City Beach. Our venues have become gathering places for Dolly’s fans and admirers, and it was her wish that they remain open as a place for families to remember her and celebrate her life by enjoying our experiences together. Dolly was also famous for her tireless work ethic, a principle that inspired countless generations around the world. It is that same work ethic that dictates our decision to remain open. As Dolly said, “the show must go on,” and we will honor her wishes.