Country music legend Dolly Parton, whose seven-decade career made her one of America’s most recognizable entertainers, has died at age 80 in Nashville.
Parton passed away peacefully at her home in Tennessee on Tuesday, according to her representatives. Her death sparked immediate tributes from musicians, public figures and fans worldwide.
Health Struggles Before Death
Parton was hospitalized at Vanderbilt University Medical Center on Friday, August 21, days before her passing. TMZ reported, citing sources, that she received treatment for kidney and autoimmune conditions, though neither has been officially confirmed as a cause of death.
In an interview on her hospitalization day, Parton acknowledged ongoing health issues. “As I’ve shared in video messages throughout the past year, I am dealing with some health issues that I just didn’t pay attention to when I was watching over Carl,” she told PEOPLE magazine, referring to her husband.
Parton’s health challenges intensified following Carl Dean’s death in March 2025 at age 82, after nearly 60 years of marriage. Earlier this month, she missed a Dollywood event due to dizziness and dehydration, addressing attendees through a prerecorded video.
A Legacy Spanning Decades
Born in Tennessee in 1946 as one of 12 children, Parton rose from poverty in the Great Smoky Mountains to achieve global prominence. Her music catalog included “Jolene,” “Coat of Many Colors,” “9 to 5” and “I Will Always Love You.”
Beyond music, Parton worked as an actress, businesswoman and philanthropist. She founded the Imagination Library in 1995, a literacy initiative that has distributed hundreds of millions of free books to children worldwide.
Final Projects and Legacy
Despite her recent setbacks, Parton remained committed to ongoing work. “Even though I’m still healin’, I’m still workin’!” she said in one of her final public statements, noting multiple projects she aimed to complete.
Parton’s family announced plans for a small private service for immediate relatives. Her official cause of death remains undisclosed.