What We Know: Country music has lost one of its biggest stars.
Dolly Parton, the singer, songwriter, actress and philanthropist who became known around the world as the “Queen of Country,” has died. She was 80. Her family announced her death Tuesday.
What It Means: Parton’s nephew, Bryan Seaver, shared the news in a video posted to her social media accounts. Seaver, who served as Parton’s head of security for more than two decades, said she had asked him years ago to make the announcement when the time came.
Parton came from humble beginnings in the mountains of East Tennessee and went on to build a career that lasted more than six decades.
She became one of country music’s most recognizable voices, writing and recording classics including “Jolene,” “Coat of Many Colors” and “I Will Always Love You.” She also found success in Hollywood with movies including “9 to 5.”
Her impact went well beyond music.
Parton became known for her charitable work, especially her efforts to improve childhood literacy through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. She also helped build Dollywood into one of Tennessee’s best-known attractions.
Parton’s husband of nearly 60 years, Carl Dean, died in 2025.
In announcing her death, Seaver spoke about Parton’s Christian faith and said the family’s sadness is for those left behind. He said they believe she is now reunited with Carl, her parents, and other loved ones.
Parton sold more than 100 million records during her career and won 11 Grammy Awards, along with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
From a small cabin in East Tennessee to Nashville, Hollywood and stages around the world, Dolly Parton became much more than a country singer.
She became an American icon.
Dolly Parton was 80 years old.
(Photo provided by Shutterstock)