NASHVILLE: Dolly Parton dies at 80 after a brief battle with cancer, ending a six-decade career that made her one of country music’s most prominent artists.
Parton died Tuesday, August 25, at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Centre in Nashville, surrounded by loved ones, her publicist said. The type of cancer was not disclosed. Her publicist said the family would hold a small private service.
Parton had disclosed health problems in September 2025, saying doctors had advised her to undergo several procedures. She did not reveal the nature of those issues at the time.
Ten days before her death, Parton cancelled an appearance at her Dollywood theme park in Tennessee. She said in a video message that health problems, including dizziness and dehydration, prevented her from travelling.
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The singer was also grieving the March 2025 death of Carl Dean, her husband of nearly 60 years.
Parton built a catalogue that included “Jolene,” “9 to 5,” “Coat of Many Colours,” and “I Will Always Love You.” She also appeared in films including “9 to 5” and “Steel Magnolias.”
Her career brought 10 Grammy wins and a Lifetime Achievement Grammy. She was inducted into both the Country Music Hall of Fame and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
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Parton also founded the Imagination Library, which has distributed nearly 308 million books to children, according to its official figures.
