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.

Ijebu Igbo Council of Elders Visits Area Commander, Reaffirms Commitment to Security

The Ijebu Igbo Council of Elders (I.C.E.) on Wednesday paid a courtesy visit to the Area Commander of the Ijebu Igbo Police Area Command, ACP Bukoye Oye, to strengthen collaboration on security.

Welcoming the delegation, ACP Bukoye Oye expressed appreciation for the visit, describing it as a demonstration of the cordial relationship between the police and the Ijebu Igbo community. He commended the Council of Elders for its consistent support and cooperation in promoting peace and public safety.

The Area Commander emphasized the importance of sustained collaboration between traditional institutions and security agencies, noting that community participation remains essential to effective policing. He assured the elders that their experience and counsel would continue to be invaluable in addressing security concerns within the area.

ACP Bukoye Oye also expressed gratitude to the Convener of the Council, Prof. Francis Ayodele Ogunye, and other members for their unwavering commitment to the progress of the Police Area Command and the development of Ijebu Igbo. He pledged to maintain an open and productive relationship with the Council.

During the meeting, the delegation, led by the Council’s Secretary, Otunba Remi Ogunbanjo, alongside Mrs. Sola Sosanya, Assistant Secretary Otunba Wale Balogun, Chief Taiwo Adekoya Tijani, and Chief Yinka Odeseye (Tandeska), discussed the prevailing security challenges in Ijebu Igbo and explored practical measures to enhance community policing.

The visit ended with both the Ijebu Igbo Council of Elders and the Police Area Command reaffirming their commitment to working together to promote lasting peace, improve security, and support the continued development of the community.