A year of health struggles shared openly
Dolly Parton, the country music legend known for hits like "9 to 5," died on August 25, 2026, at the age of 80. Her death was announced in a video shared on her social media accounts, as reported by multiple outlets.
The announcement came after a year in which Parton had been increasingly open about her health problems, often addressing fans directly through video messages and social media posts. Over the preceding twelve months, she had missed public appearances, postponed concerts, and reassured fans that reports of her declining health were premature.
The first sign: a kidney stone infection
In September 2025, Parton surprised fans when she missed a scheduled visit to her Dollywood theme park to celebrate the new Night Flight Expedition ride. Instead of appearing in person, she sent a prerecorded video message that was played for the crowd, as reported by Us Weekly.
"Hello Dollywood! It's me," Parton said in the clip, which was shared by attendees via X. "I know — and I'm here, and you're there. And you're wondering why that is? Well, I had a little problem. I had a kidney stone that was causing me a lot of problems. Turned out it'd given me an infection."
She added that her doctor had suggested she not travel, saying, "You don't need to be traveling right this minute, so you need a few days to get better."
Shortly after, Parton postponed her Las Vegas concerts that had been scheduled for December 2025, citing "a few procedures" and "health challenges." The shows were rescheduled for September 2026, as Us Weekly reported. In an Instagram post from September 2025, she told fans, "Don't worry about me quittin' the business because God hasn't said anything about stopping yet. But, I believe he is telling me to slow down right now so I can be ready for more big adventures with you all."
Reassurance and a return
In October 2025, amid rumors about her health, Parton posted a video reassuring fans that she was not dying, addressing both the rumors and an AI-generated photo of her with Reba McEntire. The Irish Mirror noted the video was captioned "I ain't dead yet."
In November 2025, Parton missed her IAAPA Hall of Fame induction but spoke via video, and in March 2026 she made a rare public appearance at Dollywood, telling attendees she was "worn down" but "all is good," as Us Weekly reported.
Final weeks: dizziness, dehydration, and missed events
On August 14, 2026, Parton was expected at the grand opening ceremony for the NightFlight Expedition ride at Dollywood but was unable to attend in person, per her doctor's orders, as al.com reported. She recorded a video for fans, explaining her condition.
"Now, I've told you before, all my fans, that I've had a few little health issues, and sometimes, I get a little dizzy, and I get dehydrated, and I'm dehydrated," Parton said, according to fan-recorded footage from the event.
"And so my Nashville doctor has kind of clipped my wings, saying you ain't traveling this week… but I like to keep all of you in the loop, like I said I would, on everything," she added.
Days later, on August 19, Parton virtually accepted the ACM Poet's Award at the ACM Honors without mentioning her health. "I just want to send a very special thank you to the Academy of Country Music for honoring me with the Poet's Award," she said in a video message shared via Instagram. "You know, I've been able to do many things throughout my life, but at my core, songwriting has always been the most important part of who I am creatively."
She also confirmed in advance that she would miss the in-person 2026 Americana Honors & Awards in September, planning to send a video instead.
Hospitalization and final announcement
Reports in the US, as cited by the Irish Mirror, indicated that Parton was admitted to hospital on Friday, August 21, 2026. The same day, she told fans: "As I've shared in video messages throughout the past year, I am dealing with some health issues that I just didn't pay attention to when I was watching over [husband] Carl." The reason for the hospital admission was not disclosed.
Parton's death was confirmed by True Public Relations and by her nephew Bryan Seaver in a video posted on her social media accounts. In the video, Seaver referred to her as "my aunt Dolly, Rebecca Parton Dean" and said, "This video announcement is something Dolly asked me years ago before I fully absorbed it as a future reality."
Seaver, who was reported to have said she wanted to rest in a bed of cotton, also described her legacy: "Dolly has lived in the light, and is in the arms of Jesus." He noted that her father was a farmer, and that Parton considered herself a farmer too — one who "farmed songs and happiness."
Final wishes and legacy
A statement released on Parton's official Instagram detailed her final wishes and celebrated her life. It said that "at Dolly's request, a small, private service will be held for immediate family." The statement described her as a "global icon and humanitarian" and noted that she "died peacefully today in Nashville, Tennessee."
It also stated that Parton was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Carl Thomas Dean (1942–2025), her mother Avie Lee Caroline Owens (1923–2003), and her father Robert Lee Parton Sr. (1921–2000).
The statement encouraged fans to pay tribute on social media by tagging @DollyParton or leaving a message at dollyparton.com, and asked that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Dolly Parton's Imagination Library.
The statement read: "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."
Parton's death marks the end of an era for country music, but her voice, her songs, and her generous spirit are remembered by fans worldwide. As her nephew put it, she lived in the light — and that light, like her music, will endure.