Dolly Parton dies at age 80

Brady KnoxAugust 25, 2026

dolly Parton, the beloved country music icon, passed away at the age of 80. Her death was announced by her nephew, Bryan Seaver, through social media, where he expressed the family’s deep sadness and pride in her legacy. Seaver, who served as her head of security for over two decades, highlighted her importance and described her as living in the light and being in the arms of Jesus, greeting loved ones in heaven. Dolly Parton had recently canceled a Las Vegas residency due to health concerns. She was known for her impactful career in music, film, and philanthropy, and her passing marks the end of an era for her fans worldwide. the story is ongoing and will be updated as more information becomes available.

Beloved country star Dolly Parton died Tuesday at age 80.

Dolly Parton is seen during a press conference for “Threads: My Songs in Symphony” on Thursday, March 20, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (Photo by Amy Harris/Invision/AP)

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Dolly Parton is seen during a press conference for “Threads: My Songs in Symphony” on Thursday, March 20, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (Photo by Amy Harris/Invision/AP)

Her death was announced 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.”

In May, the music legend canceled a planned Las Vegas residency, citing health concerns.

FILE – Dolly Parton, left, and Kenny Rogers rehearse a song for their appearance on the TV show “Live… And in Person” in Los Angeles on Sept. 27, 1983. (AP Photo/Doug Pizac, File)
FILE – Singer and Actress Dolly Parton shown at a party following the premiere of her movie ‘Nine to Five’ in Los Angeles, Dec. 12, 1980. (AP Photo/Harms, File)
FILE – Dolly Parton poses at the Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy Ceremony in New York, on Oct. 13, 2022. (AP Photo/Andres Kudacki, File)
FILE – Dolly Parton appears at Dollywood’s Season Passholder and Media Day in Pigeon Forge, Tenn., March 8, 2024. (Photo by Amy Harris/Invision/AP, File)
FILE – Dolly Parton performs in concert in Tokyo, July 30, 1979. (AP Photo/Tsugufumi Matsumoto, File)
FILE – Dolly Parton, center, stands on stage with Lily Tomlin, left, and Jane Fonda at the 69th Primetime Emmy Awards in Los Angeles, Sept. 17, 2017. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP)
FILE – Dolly Parton poses for a photo at her office in Nashville, Tenn., Aug. 11, 2005. (AP Photo/John Russell, File)