Key Takeaways
- Dolly Parton passed away at the age of 80 on August 25 after a battle with cancer.
- Her death was confirmed by representatives and her nephew Bryan Seaver through an Instagram video.
- Parton, the best-selling female country music artist, sold over 160 million albums and produced hits like ‘I Will Always Love You.’
- She was married to Carl Thomas Dean for nearly 60 years until his death in 2025.
- Parton was known for her kindness and philanthropy, including creating the Dollyhood Amusement Park for children.
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Dolly Parton, the legendary pop star and philanthropist, has died after being diagnosed with cancer.
According to PEOPLE Magazine, representatives for the country star confirmed in a statement that the “9 to 5” singer passed away at the age of 80 on Tuesday, August 25. She died following a short battle with cancer. The specific type of cancer was not disclosed.
“Our beloved Dolly Parton dedicated her life and career to bringing joy, laughter, hope, and integrity to everything she touched. Her unmatched generosity impacted countless lives, even among those she never met; she was always ready to offer a helping hand,” the statement read.
PEOPLE Magazine
“From the hundreds of millions of books donated through her invaluable Imagination Library to funding research that led to the creation of lifesaving vaccines used around the world, Dolly’s unconditional love for all people was the driving force behind her lasting impact. After bravely facing a brief battle with cancer, Dolly departed this life today at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, surrounded by her loved ones,” the statement concluded.
Dolly Parton passed away at the age of 80 on August 25. Her nephew, Bryan Seaver, also shared the news in an Instagram video on the same day.
The singer had been admitted to the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville on Friday, August 21, and she died four days later. Moreover, PEOPLE Magazine had previously shared that Dolly Parton had been struggling with kidney and autoimmune issues before her passing.
Dolly Parton, with a distinguished career spanning several decades, is the best-selling female country music artist of all time. She had sold over 160 million albums worldwide. Her debut album, “Hello, I’m Dolly,” was released in 1967. She went on to produce a number of hit songs, including “I Will Always Love You,” “9 to 5,” and “Jolene.”
Dolly Parton was preceded in death by her husband, Carl Dean,
Parton was preceded in death by her husband, Carl Dean, with whom she spent nearly 60 years, in March of 2025. At the time, she announced his passing on Instagram, stating, “Carl and I shared many wonderful years together. Words cannot express the love we had for each other over these 60 years.”
Dolly Parton and Carl Thomas Dean met in 1964 and married in 1966. They remained together until Dean’s death in 2025.
The world has lost a truly great woman who was genuinely loving, caring, and kind. She created the Dollyhood Amusement Park for children, welcoming everyone regardless of color, class, or creed.
RIP, Dolly!