Dolly Parton, the country music icon whose remarkable career carried her from a poor Tennessee childhood to worldwide fame, has died at her Nashville home aged 80, according to a family statement.
Over more than five decades, Parton wrote upwards of 3,000 songs and produced enduring classics including “Jolene,” “Coat of Many Colors,” “I Will Always Love You” and the workplace anthem “9 to 5.”
She released 49 albums, collected 11 Grammy Awards and successfully crossed from country into mainstream pop, notably teaming with Kenny Rogers for “Islands in the Stream.”
Beyond music and acting, Parton became renowned for her charitable work, establishing a literacy programme that has distributed more than 300 million books to children internationally. Her family said she died peacefully and will be farewelled at a private service attended by close relatives.
A message from the family of Dolly Parton. pic.twitter.com/9DNRgRx0uH
— Dolly Parton (@DollyParton) August 25, 2026
