Dolly Parton Dies at 80 After Six-Decade Music Career

Country music legend Dolly Parton has died at the age of 80.

Her death was reportedly announced on Tuesday by her nephew, Bryan Seaver, in an emotional post shared on Instagram.

Seaver described the moment as deeply painful, saying he had anticipated the weight of the loss but only fully understood it after her death.

Parton rose from humble beginnings in Tennessee to become one of the most influential figures in country music, enjoying a career that spanned more than six decades.

She sold more than 100 million records worldwide and earned the title “Queen of Country” through iconic songs such as “Jolene”, “9 to 5” and “I Will Always Love You”.

The singer-songwriter wrote more than 3,000 songs and won 11 Grammy Awards during her illustrious career. She also established herself as an accomplished actress, featuring in films including 9 to 5, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, Steel Magnolias and Joyful Noise.

“Jolene”, one of Parton’s most recognisable songs, was written around the same period as “I Will Always Love You”. Both tracks appeared on her 1974 album Jolene, which helped expand her popularity beyond the country music audience.

Concerns about Parton’s health emerged publicly in September 2025 when she postponed her Las Vegas residency. She had also reduced her public appearances in recent weeks amid reports of ongoing health challenges.

Her death comes months after the passing of her husband of nearly six decades, Carl Dean, who died in March 2025 at the age of 82.

Parton and Dean were married in 1966 and remained together for almost 60 years.