New Delhi: US country music icon Dolly Parton has died at the age of 80. Her nephew, Bryan Seaver, announced the news in an Instagram video on 25 August.
“Dolly has lived in the light and is in the arms of Jesus, surely met by Carl, her parents, and countless others who have watched her and longed for her to meet them in the heavens,” Seaver said in the video. He remembered the artist for opening doors for generations of singers, songwriters, musicians and dreamers from all walks of life.
Often hailed as the “Queen of Country Music”, Parton released 49 studio albums and more than 100 compilation and collaboration albums.
She recorded 25 No. 1 country singles and 41 Top 10 country albums, while selling more than 100 million records worldwide, making her one of the best-selling music artists of all time.
Over a career spanning six decades, Parton wrote around 3,000 songs, including the iconic ballad “I Will Always Love You”, which later became a global hit for Whitney Houston.
Reflecting on her legacy, Seaver said, “By her example, we believed that anything was possible. She never saw a door she couldn’t open, and the doors she opened made and changed history.”
Parton had lately been dealing with health concerns. Earlier this year, in May, she cancelled a series of Las Vegas concerts, saying that although her treatment for an unspecified illness was progressing well, she was not ready to return to the stage.
Her last public appearance was in March 2026, when she attended the opening day of her theme park, Dollywood. She was also supposed to appear at an event dedicated to her at the amusement park in August this year. But as fans turned up to meet her, the artist announced that she would not be able to attend. Instead, she sent a video message that was played at the event.
In the video message, Parton said that she had been having a “few little health issues”.
“Sometimes I get a little dizzy, and I get dehydrated,” she added. “Now I’m dehydrated. And so, my Nashville doctor kind of clipped my wings, saying, ‘You ain’t traveling this week.’ So, I guess if your doctor tells you, ‘You ain’t traveling this week,’ you ain’t traveling this week.”
Both Democrats and Republicans paid tribute to Parton on Wednesday.
President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social, mourning the legendary singer.
“Very sad to report that Dolly Parton, one of the greatest Country singers, and far beyond, EVER, has just passed away. This is a true loss for millions of people. There has never been anyone like her, and never will,” he wrote.
Trump also announced that the American flag would be flown at half-staff across the United States for one week, beginning at 6 pm Tuesday, in Parton’s honour. The White House later issued a proclamation ordering flags to be flown at half-staff through sunset on 1 September.
“Rest in Peace, Dolly! The World loves you,” he added.
Former President Bill Clinton remembered Parton, saying, “Dolly Parton was one of a kind, a great songwriter and performer who told the stories of everyday Americans with honesty, humility, and heart. She rose high from her East Tennessee roots and never forgot where she came from. And she always believed in giving back, especially in her efforts to promote literacy. Hillary and I were big fans and first saw her in 1974, and will always be grateful for the music and the memories. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family, her legion of fans, and everyone who loved her.”
Former Vice President Kamala Harris, in a tribute on X, said Parton was a true American icon.
“First introduced to the world as a ‘little girl from up in East Tennessee,’ she became a global superstar. Her career accolades included 11 Grammy Awards, an Emmy, an honorary Oscar, and, my favorite, more than 300 million books sent to millions of children around the world through her Imagination Library,” she wrote.
“Doug and I send our prayers to her family, friends, and all those who have been touched by her magic. We will always love you, Dolly,” Harris’ tweet further read.
Throughout her career, Parton had been unapologetic about her apolitical public stance.
“I don’t like to get involved in politics, because first of all, I have as many Republican fans as I do Democrats. I don’t want to offend anybody, I have a right to myself,” she said in a 2020 interview.
The outpouring of grief and affection for Parton was felt across the entertainment industry.
Sabrina Carpenter posted a tribute to Instagram, writing, “The only thing I could say after we met was ‘she really is an angel walking the earth’ and ‘we look like we could be sisters!’” Parton had featured on a deluxe version of Carpenter’s hit song “Please Please Please.”
Beyoncé, who covered Parton’s “Jolene” on her album Cowboy Carter and also featured the singer on “Tyrant”, described her as “bold and brilliant”. Parton also appeared in the “Dolly P” interlude on the album.
“You taught so many lessons on how to be uniquely oneself. I am grateful for your art, your heart, your generosity, your humor, your entrepreneurship. I’m honored that I had the privilege to work with you. I will treasure that forever,” Beyoncé wrote in a statement on her website.
Actress Jamie Lee Curtis called Parton a “great example” for everyone. She also shared a little anecdote about what inspired Parton to write “I Will Always Love You”.
“They say don’t meet your heroes. Her bravery to know that she was more than they thought she was and that she needed to break away and move on into new work and new possibilities led her to write I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU, as her way of thanking and loving, but moving on. She is a great example for us all,” Curtis said, alongside a picture of herself posing with Parton, on Instagram.
(Edited by Prashant Dixit)