Dolly Parton, one of the last century’s most iconic and enduring contemporary music superstars, died on Tuesday at age 80 following a "brief battle with cancer," PEOPLE reported citing representatives for the singer.
The singer, songwriter, and actress whose charisma, heartfelt lyrics, and business and philanthropic endeavors won the hearts of her fans for nearly six decades had been in declining health in recent months.
Flamboyant and radiant, Parton possessed the talent to complement her ample public persona. She could enthrall an audience with a full-on Las Vegas revue or alone on a stage with an acoustic guitar and her unmistakable voice.
Parton rose from poverty in rural Tennessee to become one of the most successful and recognizable performers in country and popular American music, with a dazzling career that stretched across six decades and extended far beyond Nashville into film, television, business, and philanthropy.
The writer of classic songs like “Jolene,” “Islands in the Stream,” and “I Will Always Love You” (a huge hit by Whitney Houston), Parton was named to the list of the New York Times 30 greatest living American songwriters earlier this year.
She won 11 Grammy Awards, including a Lifetime Achievement Award.
In addition to her groundbreaking work as a singer-songwriter, Parton also starred in movies like 9 to 5 and Steel Magnolias.
Her husband of nearly 60 years, Carl Thomas Dean, died in March 2025.
Public figures reacted to Parton's death with surprise and sadness
"Very sad to report that Dolly Parton, one of the greatest Country singers, and far beyond, EVER, has just passed away," US President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social.
"This is a true loss for millions of people. There has never been anyone like her, and never will. In her honor, I am lowering the American flag throughout the United States for a one-week period beginning tonight at 6:00 PM. Rest in Peace, Dolly! The World loves you."
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said that "Dolly Parton did all the good she could, for all the people she could, for as long as she ever could... Dolly, we'll miss your great heart."
"It's hard for me to imagine the world without Dolly. Dolly's heart was as big as her talent," actress Cindy Lauper said following the singer's death.
'She was not only a great singer/song writer/actress/TV star, Dolly also lived her art. She used her art, her fame and her money to help so many people. I can't even tell you how many times I've thought to myself, 'What would Dolly do?'"
"She was a great role model for all of us."
"Moderna is saddened by the passing of Dolly Parton, whose extraordinary generosity touched millions of lives," said a company spokesperson.
"During the earliest days of the COVID-19 pandemic, Dolly supported critical research at Vanderbilt University Medical Center that, alongside the historic public-private partnership that accelerated the COVID-19 vaccine effort, contributed to the development of Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine. "She was an American treasure, and her generosity, optimism, and belief in science made a difference at a moment when the world needed it most. We will always be grateful to have shared a small part of her remarkable story," continued the spokesperson.
"Thank you, Lord, for Dolly. She's gonna have a blast in heaven singing all her favorite songs with all her family and friends who have gone on before her," country singer Reba McEntire said.
Actress Lynda Carter said, "Oh Dolly, I know where your heart is. These are impossible days. I send you, my sister, so much love."
Parton was born in 1946 in Tennessee
Born in 1946 in Locust Ridge, Tennessee, Parton grew up in a large, poor family in the Great Smoky Mountains. She performed as a child and appeared at the Grand Ole Opry when she was about 10 years old before eventually moving to Nashville to pursue a professional career. She became a member of the Opry in 1969.
Parton first gained national attention in the US as a singer on Porter Wagoner’s television program before establishing herself as a solo star. Her songwriting combined wit, vulnerability, and sharp observations about poverty, love, ambition, and women’s lives, helping her cross repeatedly from country into mainstream pop culture.
Parton built Dollywood, the Tennessee theme park that became a major regional employer and tourist attraction, and created the Imagination Library, a literacy program that distributes free books to children around the world.
Speaking to People magazine last week, Parton disclosed that she was “dealing with some health issues that I just didn’t pay attention to when I was watching over Carl.”
“Even though I’m still healin’, I’m still workin’,” she added, saying that she was working with companies to create “avatar performances,” and they are still in the “early stages of development.”