Iconic country music star, Dolly Parton has died , aged 80.
Her family announced her death Tuesday, with her nephew Bryan Seaver sharing the news in a video on social media.
Seaver, who served as Parton’s head of security for more than two decades, said she had asked him years ago to make the announcement.
“This video announcement is something Dolly asked of me years ago, before I fully absorbed it as a future reality,” he said.
Seaver described the moment as “an honor” 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.”
Parton’s death comes after a difficult period for the star.
She had been dealing with health problems and had canceled her planned Las Vegas residency.
In an interview published August 21, Parton spoke about her health and said she was still recovering.
She also made it clear that she was not ready to stop working.
“I’m still healin’, I’m still workin’!” Parton told PEOPLE.
She had also been dealing with the loss of her husband, Carl Dean, who died in March 2025 after nearly 60 years of marriage.
Parton was born in Tennessee in 1946 and grew up in a large family. She began singing as a child and started writing songs when she was young.
After graduating from high school, she moved to Nashville in 1964 to pursue music.
Her big break came when country star Porter Wagoner invited her to join The Porter Wagoner Show.
She later became a major solo star, releasing hits such as “Jolene,” “Coat of Many Colors,” “9 to 5” and “I Will Always Love You.”
“I Will Always Love You” became an even bigger worldwide hit when Whitney Houston recorded it for the 1992 film The Bodyguard.
Parton also built a successful acting career, appearing in films including 9 to 5, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas and Steel Magnolias.
Beyond music and film, Parton became a successful businesswoman and philanthropist.
She founded Dollywood in Tennessee and created the Imagination Library, which provides free books to children.
She also supported medical research and other charitable causes, including a $1 million donation to Vanderbilt University’s COVID-19 vaccine research in 2020.
Parton leaves behind a career that lasted nearly six decades.
She won 11 Grammy Awards and was inducted into both the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Her influence reached far beyond country music.
She became known for her songwriting, humor, business ,success, and generosity, while her music continued to reach new generations.
For millions of fans, Dolly Parton was more than a country music ,star.
She was a singer, songwriter, actress, entrepreneur and philanthropist whose work became part of American popular culture.
Her music and legacy will continue to live on for generations.
