Dolly Parton died on August 25, 2026, at age 80, following what her representatives described as a “brief battle with cancer.” She died at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville, surrounded by loved ones.
Her representatives have not disclosed the type of cancer.
Parton had spoken publicly about health struggles shortly before her death and had cancelled or postponed some appearances, but she continued expressing a desire to work.
Her legacy extends far beyond her music—from “Jolene,” “9 to 5,” and “I Will Always Love You” to her extraordinary philanthropy, particularly the Imagination Library, which has distributed hundreds of millions of books to children.
It is an enormous loss for country music and for millions of people who grew up with Dolly’s music and generosity.
