NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Country music legend, global icon, and philanthropist Dolly Parton passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at the age of 80. The news was announced by her family in a statement shared on social media and through press releases.
Parton was born on January 19, 1946, in Locust Ridge, Tennessee, growing up in a one-room cabin in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains as one of 12 children. Across a six-decade career, she evolved from a young prodigy on local radio and TV into one of the most decorated female country artists and widely revered songwriters in American popular music.
Key Details Announced:
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Service Details: At Parton’s request, a small, private service will be held for immediate family.
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Tributes: Fans and friends worldwide are invited to share tributes on social media by tagging
@DollyPartonor by leaving a message at her official website, dollyparton.com. -
Memorial Donations: In lieu of flowers, her family requests that donations be made to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library at imaginationlibrary.com.
Parton leaves behind an unmatched cultural legacy — from classic hits like “Jolene,” “9 to 5,” and “I Will Always Love You,” to her Dollywood theme park and extensive philanthropic efforts that gifted over 200 million books to children worldwide.
