News -- August 25, 2026: Dolly Parton, the globally cherished singer-songwriter, actress, entrepreneur, and humanitarian whose East Tennessee roots and sparkling stage presence shaped American culture for over six decades, has passed away at the age of 80. She died peacefully at her home in Nashville, Tennessee.
The Family Statement
Her passing was formally announced in an emotional video posted to her official social media accounts by her nephew and longtime head of security, Bryan Seaver, speaking on behalf of the Parton and Owens families.
"Hey everyone, my name is Bryan Seaver, son of Cassie Parton, and I'm representing the Parton and Owens family today, announcing the passing of my Aunt Dolly Rebecca Parton Dean—sister, Sis, Aunt 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. 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 for her to meet them in the heavens."
Parton was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Carl Thomas Dean.
Mountain Roots and Musical Mastery: Born January 19, 1946, in a one-room cabin along the Little Pigeon River in Sevier County, Tennessee, Dolly was the fourth of twelve children. She turned her humble mountain upbringing into timeless art, penning over 3,000 songs and delivering global anthems like "Coat of Many Colors," "Jolene," "9 to 5," and "I Will Always Love You." Over her career, she achieved 25 Billboard No. 1 country hits, won 11 Grammy Awards, and earned inductions into the Country Music Hall of Fame, Songwriters Hall of Fame, and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Silver Screen Success: Parton made an immediate mark on Hollywood, starting with her starring role in the 1980 hit comedy "9 to 5" alongside Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin. Her acting career went on to feature beloved roles in "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas," "Steel Magnolias," "Straight Talk," and "Joyful Noise."
Dollywood and Economic Impact: In 1986, Parton co-founded Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, transforming her beloved Smoky Mountains into a major tourism and entertainment destination. Driven by her passion to provide sustainable jobs for her community, the park expanded into resorts, water parks, and dinner theaters, standing as an enduring pillar of the East Tennessee economy.
Global Literacy and Giving Back: Beyond her entertainment empire, Parton dedicated decades to improving lives. In 1995, she launched Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library through the Dollywood Foundation, mailing millions of free, high-quality books each month to children from birth to age five across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Ireland.
Memorial Information and Donations
Services for Parton will remain private for the immediate family. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorial contributions be made to support her lifelong passion for children's reading:
Online Donations: Contributions can be made directly to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library through the Dollywood Foundation at imaginationlibrary.com or dollywoodfoundation.org.
Mail-In Contributions: Checks or written memorials may be sent directly to the foundation:
The Dollywood Foundation
2700 Dollywood Parks Blvd.
Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
