Iconic country musician Dolly Parton has died at the age of 80, her family announced on her social media.
“Global icon and humanitarian, Dolly Parton, known to the world as a beloved singer, songwriter, philanthropist, actress, playwright, and author died peacefully today in Nashville, Tennessee. She was 80 years old.
“Dolly is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 59 years Carl Thomas Dean (1942 – 2025), her mother Avie Lee Caroline Owens (1923 – 2003), and father, Robert Lee Parton, Sr. (1921 – 2000).
“A rhinestone life that shone bright enough for the world to see, Dolly will forever stand as an inspiration not only through her timeless music and prolific songwriting, but also her wit, warmth, and kindness that made us all feel like family. Dolly Parton’s legacy is one of love, compassion, and resilience. With a seven-decade career, she inspired multiple generations of artists and fans with her music and an unwavering commitment to making the world a better place.
“Her songs will continue to resonate with people of all ages, and her philanthropic work will have a lasting impact,” the statement said.
Dolly Parton was born in 1946 into a poor farming family who lived in a one bedroom cabin on the banks of the Little Pigeon River in Tennessee.
She was the fourth of 12 children. Her father, Robert Lee Parton, was a tobacco farmer and paid a missionary a sack of cornmeal for delivering her.
Dolly said her mother, Avie Lee, used to sing folk songs all the time. She was also influenced by her Aunt, who played the guitar and wrote songs.
Her uncle accompanied her on the guitar during some of her first performances.
Parton sang in the local church where her grandfather was the pastor, from the age of six and – before reaching her teens – she was performing on her local TV station.
By the age of thirteen, she had reached country music’s summit: with an appearance at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee.
