Country music icon Dolly Parton has died at 80 after a brief battle with cancer.
Parton’s nephew, Brian Seaver, announced the news on Tuesday, August 26, in a video posted on the singer’s Instagram account.
Her family said Parton died surrounded by people she loved.
A heartfelt video
Seaver, who served as Parton’s head of security for more than two decades, delivered the emotional announcement.
He said his aunt had asked him years earlier to share the news if the time came.
Seaver paid tribute to his “Aunt, Granny, Gigi” and said she was now “in the arms of Jesus”. He also said she had reunited with her late husband, Carl Dean, her parents and other loved ones.
Parton’s team also remembered her remarkable life and career.
“Her unmatched generosity reached the lives of countless people whom she would never meet,” Team Dolly said.
The team described her love for others as a major part of her lasting legacy.
From Tennessee to the Queen of Country
Dolly Parton was born on January 19, 1946, in Tennessee. She was the fourth of 12 children.
Her mother introduced her to music at an early age. Parton began singing at church before performing on local radio and television programs at 13.
In 1967, she released her debut album, Hello, I’m Dolly.
Her solo career reached another level in 1974 when “Jolene” became a country chart hit. She followed it with several other successful songs, including “I Will Always Love You”.
Whitney Houston later turned “I Will Always Love You” into a worldwide hit with her 1992 version.
Parton became one of the most successful artists in country music history. She won 11 Grammy Awards and sold more than 100 million records during a career spanning more than six decades.
Her songs, distinctive voice and larger-than-life personality made her one of the most recognisable figures in music.
Dolly the philanthropist
Parton’s influence reached far beyond music.
Through the Dollywood Foundation, she supported education and poverty-relief initiatives in East Tennessee.
Her best-known charitable project, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, provides books to children. Parton created the programme in honour of her father, who could not read or write.
She also supported medical research during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In 2020, Parton donated $1 million to Vanderbilt University Medical Center to support coronavirus vaccine research. The research later contributed to the development of Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine.
Her philanthropy became another defining part of her legacy.
Tributes pour in: ‘There will never be another Dolly’
Tributes poured in from musicians, actors, politicians and fans following the announcement of Parton’s death.
President Donald Trump ordered US flags to be lowered to half-staff nationwide for one week. He also praised Parton as a unique American cultural figure.
Former President Bill Clinton described Parton as “one of a kind” and praised her songwriting, performances and generosity.
Country music star Reba McEntire also mourned the loss of her longtime friend.
Kacey Musgraves shared an emotional tribute, while George Strait remembered Parton’s enormous impact around the world.
Taylor Swift also paid tribute to Parton, describing her as a role model and friend.
In Tennessee, Rep. Tim Burchett praised Parton as one of the state’s greatest ambassadors and highlighted her representation of the American dream.
Dolly Parton leaves behind a remarkable musical and charitable legacy. Her songs reached generations of listeners, while her generosity touched communities far beyond the entertainment industry.
Her influence on country music, popular culture and philanthropy will continue long after her death.
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