Dolly Parton dies at age 80 after ‘brief battle with cancer’
Dolly Parton, a beloved country music icon, passed away at age 80 after a brief battle with cancer, surrounded by loved ones at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center. Her death was announced by her nephew, Bryan Seaver, who expressed pride and sadness while honoring her life of generosity, joy, and hope. Parton was renowned for her philanthropic efforts, including founding the Imagination Library to promote children’s literacy and supporting disaster relief and healthcare initiatives. She had a humble childhood in Tennessee, which influenced her music, and enjoyed a successful career with numerous awards, acting roles, and recognition, including induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Despite her passing, she left behind unpublished songs and a time capsule at Dollywood. President Trump ordered flags to be lowered in her honor,and fellow artists and public officials mourn her loss,celebrating her lasting impact on music,philanthropy,and her community.
Beloved country music star Dolly Parton died Tuesday at age 80 after a “brief battle with cancer,” her representatives said Tuesday.
“Whether it be the hundreds of millions of books donated through her invaluable Imagination Library or funding research that helped create a lifesaving vaccine used around the world, Dolly’s unconditional love for all people was the guiding force for her lasting impact. After bravely facing a brief battle with cancer, Dolly departed her Earthly life today at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center surrounded by loved ones,” they said.
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Her death was announced earlier in the day on her social media by her nephew, Bryan Seaver, who served as the family representative.
“I’m representing the Parton and Owens family today, announcing the passing of my aunt, Dolly Rebecca Parton Dean, Sister, Sis, and Granny to one generation and Gigi to the next,” Seaver said. “This video announcement is something Dolly asked of me years ago, before I fully absorbed it as a future reality. As her head of security for more than two decades, a role my father Larry held before me, I have imagined the heaviness of this moment but haven’t truly felt it until now.”
“It is an honor, an honor that is mixed with absolute pride and great sadness, but sadness lies with us, not with Dolly,” he added. “Dolly has lived in the light and is in the arms of Jesus, surely met by Carl, her parents, and countless others who have watched her and longed to meet her in the heavens.”
“Our beloved Dolly Parton spent her life and career bringing joy, laughter, hope and integrity into everything she touched. Her unmatched generosity reached the lives of countless people whom she would never meet, yet she was always there to offer a helping hand,” her representatives said.
In May, the music legend canceled a planned Las Vegas residency, citing health concerns.
Parton is preceded in death by her husband, Carl Dean, who died last year. Parton and Dean’s marriage was largely kept private, but the couple was married for nearly 60 years. When announcing the cancellation of her Las Vegas shows, Parton said she was dealing with things she “didn’t pay attention to when I was watching over Carl.”
She is survived by five of her sisters, Willadeene, Stella, Cassie, Freida, and Rachel, as well as her brother, Bobby. Her five other brothers preceded her in death. She is also the godmother of pop superstar Miley Cyrus.
From humble beginnings, Parton and her siblings grew up in a two-room cabin in Tennessee. Her childhood influenced much of her discography, including songs such as “My Tennessee Mountain Home,” “Daddy’s Working Boots,” and one of her first hits, “Coat of Many Colors.” A replica of the cabin she grew up in is a part of her popular theme park, Dollywood.
A hallmark of Parton’s career was her friendship with singer Porter Wagoner. Wagoner introduced Parton on his television show in 1967 and stayed past the promised five years before leaving over creative differences. When she left their duo to pursue a solo musical career, she wrote “I Will Always Love You” to say goodbye and to memorialize their close friendship.
Throughout her life, Parton won a plethora of awards for her songwriting and also stepped into the world of acting in movies such as Steel Magnolias and 9 to 5. She is also recognized in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
For her work, Parton won an Emmy, 11 Grammy awards, 10 Country Music Association awards, seven Academy of Country Music awards, three American Music awards, two Academy Award nominations, and an honorary Oscar.
Despite her death, Parton has long hinted that her work may not be done. She has thousands of unrecorded songs and raw vocals, which she has left with the intention of being made into songs after her death. There is a time capsule at Dollywood with a secret song to be released in 2045.
Parton also played a significant role in the philanthropic world, establishing the Imagination Library in 1995 to encourage children’s literacy. The library was inspired by her father, who never learned to read.
She also donated to disaster relief funds, children’s hospitals, and helped fund early research for the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.
President Donald Trump ordered the American flag to be lowered throughout the week in honor of the American icon.
“Very sad to report that Dolly Parton, one of the greatest Country singers, and far beyond, EVER, has just passed away,” Trump posted on Truth Social. “This is a true loss for millions of people. There has never been anyone like her, and never will.”
Rep. Diana Harshbarger (R-TN), who represents the area Parton is from, also memorialized Parton, calling her “one of ours.”
“She grew up in the hills of Sevier County, right here in Tennessee’s First District, and no matter how big her star got, she never stopped being one of us,” Harshbarger said. “Her music, her generosity, and her love for these mountains will outlast every one of us. Today, East Tennessee is praying for her family and grieving one of our own.”
TRUMP LOWERS FLAGS TO HALF-STAFF FOR DOLLY PARTON: ‘THE WORLD LOVES YOU’
Reba McEntire, a fellow country music star and friend of Parton, also shared a statement.
“Dolly, thank you for all the wonderful things you did for us here on earth,” McEntire said. “Your love, your music and you gave so much with your huge huge heart. There will never ever be another you. We will remember and cherish every memory and every note you ever played and sang.”
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