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Cherryville, NC (WNN) - Country Music Icon Dolly Parton died at the age of 80, as announced by her family today, August 25, 2026. She was known not only for her talent but also for her philanthropy, including her receipt of the Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy in 2022. Since 2017, Parton has donated at least $6.7 million to various causes, such as Hurricane Helene relief and the Salvation Army. Parton was able to make these sorts of efforts through her own hard work from humble beginnings.
On January 12, 1946, Parton was the fourth of twelve born to Avie Lee Caronline and Robert Lee Parton. At the time, the family lived in a one-room cabin on the Little Pigeon River. Parton would grow up seeing her father work as a sharecropper, farmer, and construction worker, and would note his incredible business sense. She believed this was where her own savvy nature stemmed from. However, she attributed what made her famous to her mother. Picking up a guitar at 6 and performing at church eventually led to the life she knew.
Despite earlier pushback against entering the country music genre because she was a soprano, Dolly released an uncredited single, “Put It Off Until Tomorrow,” in 1966, which convinced Monument Records to allow her to enter the genre, where her success grew. After releasing Dumb Blonde,” she was invited to The Porter Wagoneer Show with a weekly spot. After some struggles over the next five years to enter the charts with her solo material, Parton began 1971 with a number-one single in “Joshua”. She would go on to release many more songs that remain household names today, such as “Jolene” and “I Will Always Love You”.
Parton, along with her long career in music, spent time achieving whatever she decided to do. Of course, many people are familiar with Dollywood, a theme park in Pigeon Forge. The Dollywood Company operates the park, which attracts as many as 3 million annual visitors. A recent attraction is the Dolly's Life of Many Colors Museum, opening in June 2026. This is located in downtown Nashville at 211 Commerce St, Nashville, TN 37201, with tickets here, for those wanting to learn more about her.
Outside of her business ventures, Dolly was also known for her acting and television roles. Her first feature film was her portrayal of Jane Fonda in the comedy 9 to 5. She appeared in person on multiple popular TV shows, such as American Idol and The Beverly Hillbillies, and also had many voice-acting roles. As early as 1983, she was taking on work in Alvin and the Chipmunks and continued as a voice actor until 2011, with Gnomeo & Juliet. She would continue to appear on screens until 2023, when she appeared during halftime of the Washington Commanders and Dallas Cowboys NFL football game.
Parton was announced to have passed peacefully at home by her family member, Bryan Seaver, via a video announcement. He considers it an honor, saying that “Dolly has lived in the light and is in the arms of Jesus.” He noted that Dolly opened doors for singers and songwriters across the planet. Her legacy will continue through her family, who will do everything they can to honor who she was in life.
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