Dolly Parton, the American singer-songwriter, actress and philanthropist, died Tuesday in Nashville. She was 80.
Her nephew, Brian Seaver, confirmed the news in an Instagram video message shared Tuesday.
“My name is Brian 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 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,” he continued. “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 till now.”
The Country Music Hall of Famer and 11-time Grammy winner touched fans with her 3,000-strong discography, which included autobiographical songs like “Coat of Many Colors” and heartbreak hits like “Jolene” and “I Will Always Love You.”
In addition to releasing 49 albums, Parton channeled her major success into philanthropy, launching a library program which has provided over 300 million books to children around the world.
“A rhinestone life that shone bright enough for the world to see, Dolly will forever stand as an inspiration not only through her timeless music and prolific songwriting, but also her wit, warmth, and kindness that made us all feel like family,” reads the family’s official obituary.
The obituary continues, “Dolly Parton’s legacy is one of love, compassion, and resilience. With a seven-decade career, she inspired multiple generations of artists and fans with her music and an unwavering commitment to making the world a better place. Her songs will continue to resonate with people of all ages, and her philanthropic work will have a lasting impact.”
Parton had faced various health challenges during the past two years. In an update with People last week, she said she was still “dealing with some health issues that I just didn’t pay attention to when I was watching over Carl,” referring to care for her late husband Carl Thomas Dean, who died in March 2025.
She added, “But I think because we live in a 24/7 world with social media, everything gets magnified in ways it wasn’t years ago. I used to joke that I was the Queen of the Tabloids, but now I guess I can say I’m the Queen of Social Media AI! Seriously, though, even though I’m still healin’, I’m still workin’!”
In May, Parton canceled her Las Vegas residency and said she still had a long road ahead before she could return to performing.
At the time, Parton told fans she was responding well to medication and treatment but said the process had left her feeling “a little swimmy-headed.”
“The good news is I’m responding really well to meds and treatments, and I’m improving every day,” Parton added, noting that she could not perform at her usual level yet because she shouldn’t be “dizzy carrying around banjos, guitars and such on 5-inch heels.”
Here is how friends and Hollywood stars have paid tribute to Parton.
Miley Cyrus
Miley Cyrus, who was Parton’s honorary goddaughter, wrote, “So many evil people in this world and we had to lose a pure heart like Dolly Parton.”
She added, “Devastating day for humanity.”
In a second statement, Cyrus wrote, “I can’t believe we just lost the purest soul. Rest in Glory, Dolly. My heart aches.”
Kacey Musgraves
“This really hurts,” wrote Kacey Musgraves, an eight-time Grammy winning country musician.
Sen. Bernie Sanders
“Dolly Parton was one of the greatest entertainers of our era,” wrote Sen. Bernie Sanders I-Vermont. “Her music and humanity touched millions. She will be sorely missed.”
Donald Trump
“This is a true loss for millions of people,” wrote President Donald Trump. “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.”
Megyn Kelly
Political commenter Megyn Kelly wrote, “Dolly Parton seemed as close to total goodness as any mere mortal could come. She united us all in our love and admiration for her and, now, in mourning her.”
Colman Domingo
“Dolly taught us that you can be anything and do anything and to do it with kindness,” wrote actor Colman Domingo. “What a light. We are all grateful that we lived in a time of Dolly Parton.”
James Dreyfus
“What a lady,” wrote English actor James Dreyfus. “Goodnight Dolly. Thanks for everything.”
Meghan McCain
“Dolly Parton was an absolute American icon and legend,” wrote television personality and columnist Meghan McCain. “Singular in her impact, love, talent, music, kindness, passion and strength. There never was nor ever will be another like her.”
She added, “On a personal note she is hands down the kindest, warmest, friendliest celebrity I had the pleasure of ever meeting. When people ask me the highlight of working at The View, I always say meeting Dolly Parton.”
Spencer Pratt
“God bless Dolly Parton,” wrote reality television star Spencer Pratt. “She is a national treasure.”
Rob Schneider
“A giant talent,” wrote actor and comedian Rob Schneider. “One of the best song writers ever!”
“A gigantic influence and genius of popular music,” he continued. “One of the greatest entertainers of all time.But most importantly, a generous, kind and loving human being. Blessed to be alive at the same time as Dolly Parton.”
Blake Shelton
“I can say with absolute certainty that we are all feeling the same heart brokenness today,” wrote country musician Blake Shelton, who worked alongside Dolly Parton during her appearances on “The Voice.”
He continued, “I want everyone to know that she was the EXACT person that you think she is. It was like being with the funnest, most loving, most caring and closest member of your family. Truly a loss for the entire world. We love you Dolly.”
Kelly Clarkson
Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Kelly Clarkson wrote, “Dolly Parton had a way of making everyone feel special, and seen, and welcomed, and as if you were old friends.”
“I will miss her heart and her voice as I am sure millions will,” Clarkson continued. “What an incredible gift and talent she was and still is with an amazing catalogue of art she has left behind for all of us.”
Mick Jagger
“What a wonderful songwriter and singer Dolly was,” wrote Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger. “She brought so many people together, we will all miss her so much.”
J.K. Rowling
“Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library was the best contribution to child literacy ever made by a celebrity,” author of the “Harry Potter” series J.K. Rowling wrote.
“Our paths crossed once, in the 90s, backstage at a talk show, and I was completely tongue-tied and starstruck,” she continued. “You were a complete, irreplaceable one-off.”
Seth MacFarlane
Actor Seth MacFarlane, who worked alongside Parton on an episode of “The Orville,” called news of the musician’s death “devastating.”
“Her kindness, generosity, and authenticity were evident from moment one, and the benign yet assured command she maintained over her empire was obvious from the genuine love and trust you could see from everyone who worked for her,” MacFarlane wrote.
“The world is a dimmer place today without her.”
Henry Winkler
“What a sad day for America what a sad day for the world what a sad day for the (Parton) family,” wrote actor Henry Winkler. “Dolly! We will miss you in more ways than one can say you were a treasure on this earth.”
Paris Hilton
Media personality Paris Hilton said she was “heartbroken.”
“She was a true icon and such an inspiration to me,” Hilton continued. “Her talent, heart and kindness touched so many lives, and she truly left this world better than she found it.”
Jeff Bezos
“Dolly spent her whole life showing us what it means to lead with love,” wrote Jeff Bezos. “She lifted everyone with her music, her generosity, and her joy.”
Bill Clinton
Former president Bill Clinton described Parton as “a great songwriter and performer who told the stories of everyday Americans with honesty, humility, and heart.”
“She always believed in giving back, especially in her efforts to promote literacy,” he continued. “Hillary and I were big fans and first saw her in 1974, and will always be grateful for the music and the memories.”
Donny Osmond
“I’m deeply saddened by the passing of Dolly Parton. She has a heart of gold and a spirit that touched so many lives,” wrote Donny Osmond. “She was a true woman of God, an incredible entertainer, and of course, one of the pillars of country music.”
“She had the most amazing way of making everyone in that studio feel like they were her best friend,” he continued. “I think it was that sweet Southern hospitality in her.”
Brooke Shields
“The world will forever be indebted to the good you’ve done and the legacy you’ve left,” wrote actress Brooke Shields. “The equilibrium of the earth feels off. Thank you for everything.”
Pat Sajak
Former “Wheel of Fortune” host Pat Sajak recalled a flight seated next to Parton.
“When I was hired to join KNBC in Los Angeles, I was flown out from my home in Nashville,” Sajak wrote. “The coach section was overbooked, and I was fortunate to be moved to first class, where my seat mate turned out to be Dolly Parton. Sure was a nice flight.”
Russell Crowe
“There’s only ever going to be one Dolly Parton,” wrote actor Russell Crowe. “What a soul she carried.”
Shaboozey
Shaboozey, a Grammy-nominated singer, wrote, “I wish I had the honor of meeting you. You were everyone’s favorite artist.”
“Thank you for giving us some of the greatest music we’ll ever know,” he added.
Dr. Mehmet Oz
“I adored my friend Dolly Parton for her massive heart,” Dr. Mehmet Oz wrote in a tribute. “The world knew her extraordinary voice, her wit, her sparkle and her unmistakable presence.”
“But I was blessed to see another side of Dolly—the woman behind the cameras, when there was no audience and nothing to gain except the chance to bring someone else a little hope,” he continued.
“We toured pediatric cancer facilities together, and I will never forget watching the children light up when Dolly walked into the room.
“She patiently sat with children struggling with cancer. She listened to them, laughed with them, held their hands and somehow gave them a little more energy and courage to fight the battles ahead. That was Dolly. Her greatest gift wasn’t the music. It was her heart.”
Usha Vance
“As four-time subscribers to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and lifelong fans of her music, our family knows that Dolly Parton loved a good story,” Second Lady Usha Vance wrote.
“I hope that you’ll pick up a book and celebrate the magic of storytelling in her honor today.”
Mike Lee
“Heaven received an angelic musical phenomenon today with the passing of Dolly Parton,” wrote Utah Sen. Mike Lee. “Earth’s loss is heaven’s gain.”
Yusuf/Cat Stevens
“Dolly Parton was a good woman and one of the greatest artists of true country soul,” wrote musician Yusuf/Cat Stevens.
Billy Ray Cyrus
“I have so many moments and memories with Dolly, it’s hard to know where to start. Like every little boy, I grew up loving Dolly Parton. She was a part of our lives, on our TV’s, right in our living rooms,” country musician Billy Ray Cyrus wrote in a statement shared with the Deseret News.
He continued, “Dolly recently sent me a beautiful message, telling me she loved me with her whole heart. I will always love her in the same way ….. with my whole heart … and I always will.”