Dolly Parton, the country music icon whose career spanned seven decades, died Tuesday at age 80. Her family confirmed the death in a statement posted to X, and her representatives announced she died peacefully in Nashville.

The announcement was made in a video posted to Parton's X account by her nephew Bryan Seaver, who served as her head of security for more than two decades. In the video, Seaver said Parton "lived in the light and is in the arms of Jesus," adding that she was likely met by her husband, Carl Dean, her parents, and others who had been waiting for her. Seaver described his aunt as someone who opened doors for her family and for generations of singers and dreamers.

Parton's death comes about a year after her husband, businessman Carl Dean, died on March 3, 2025, at age 82. She had also faced recent health challenges, announcing in September that she was postponing Las Vegas concert dates to deal with "some health challenges," and later canceling her Las Vegas residency dates in May.

A Life From the Smoky Mountains to Superstardom

Born on January 19, 1946, in Tennessee's Smoky Mountains, Parton was the fourth of 12 children in a family with deep musical roots. She grew up in a one-room cabin and often spoke of performing for her siblings and farm animals on the front porch, using a tin can as a microphone.

Parton wrote her first single, "Puppy Love," when she was 10 years old, and began making trips to Nashville with her uncle, country songwriter Bill Owens. She moved to Nashville after graduating high school in 1964, and soon rose to fame.

Over her career, Parton wrote more than 3,000 songs, including the enduring classics "Jolene" and "I Will Always Love You," which she reportedly wrote on the same day. The latter became a global hit when Whitney Houston recorded it for the 1992 film The Bodyguard, topping the Billboard Hot 100 for 14 weeks. Parton reportedly earned more than $10 million from the song's success.

She also wrote the theme song for the 1980 film 9 to 5, in which she starred alongside Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin. Her other film roles included The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas and Steel Magnolias.

Business and Philanthropy

Parton opened Dollywood, a 150-acre theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, in 1986, which became one of the top tourist destinations in the United States. She also founded Dolly Records in 2007, and the musical 9 to 5 debuted on Broadway in 2009, earning a Tony nomination.

Her philanthropic efforts included the Imagination Library, a literacy program she founded in 1995 in honor of her father. The program has donated millions of books to children, with figures ranging from 130 million to more than 150 million depending on the source. In 2022, Jeff Bezos donated $100 million to the foundation.

Parton also gave $1 million to Vanderbilt University for COVID-19 vaccine research, which helped in the development of the Moderna vaccine. She was an advocate for the 2SLGBTQ+ community and supported various causes, including climate disaster relief.

Legacy and Honors

Parton released 49 studio albums and achieved 26 number-one country hits. She won 10 Grammys and 13 Academy of Country Music awards, as well as nine CMA awards. In 2006, she received the Kennedy Center Honor, and in November 2022, she was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

She declined the Presidential Medal of Freedom from Donald Trump in 2021, and was set to receive the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award in November, though she was expected to miss the Governors Awards ceremony due to health issues.

Parton's influence extended to younger artists, including Shania Twain, Taylor Swift, Miranda Lambert, and Miley Cyrus, of whom she was godmother. Her music and persona continue to inspire performers across genres, as noted by musicians like Amythyst Kiah and Trixie Mattel in interviews.

A final collaborative album, Smoky Mountain DNA, was released in late 2024. A Broadway musical based on her life was set to open later in 2026.

Parton is survived by her siblings and extended family. Her death marks the end of an era for country music and for millions of fans who admired her talent, wit, and generosity.

Perspectives

Family Statement: Bryan Seaver, Parton's nephew and head of security, expressed that she "lived in the light" and was now "in the arms of Jesus," emphasizing her legacy of opening doors for her family and others.

Representatives' Statement: Parton's representatives said she "died peacefully" in Nashville, highlighting her "timeless music," "prolific songwriting," and "wit, warmth, and kindness."

Critic's Tribute: Guardian music critic Alex Petridis described Parton as a "peerless" figure whose career "turned country music cliches inside out," praising her as a genius behind classic songs.