Dolly Parton, one of country music’s most celebrated singer-songwriters and a renowned philanthropist, has died aged 80.
According to The Guardian, Parton’s death was announced by her nephew Brian Seaver on Instagram.
Her team later confirmed that the singer died on Tuesday after “bravely facing a brief battle with cancer”.
“Dolly departed her Earthly life today at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center surrounded by loved ones,” her team said.
Born into poverty in a one-room cabin in Tennessee, Parton rose to become one of the most influential figures in country music.
She was the fourth of 12 children born to a farmer and construction worker father and a mother who inspired one of her best-loved songs, Coat of Many Colors.
Parton began singing in church before appearing on local television at 10 and recording her first record at 13.
That same year, she performed at Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry, where she was introduced by Johnny Cash.
After graduating from high school in 1964, Parton moved to Nashville and initially established herself as a songwriter.
She later signed as a recording artist and released her debut album, Hello, I’m Dolly, in 1967.
Her partnership with country singer and television personality Porter Wagoner helped propel her career.
She scored her first US country No 1 with Joshua in 1971.
Parton went on to create some of the most enduring songs in popular music.
She wrote Jolene and I Will Always Love You, two songs that became defining works of her career.
Jolene became her first UK hit, while I Will Always Love You, originally written as a farewell to Wagoner, reached No 1 on the US country chart twice.
The song gained a new generation of listeners when Whitney Houston recorded it for The Bodyguard soundtrack in 1992, turning it into a global phenomenon.
Parton also successfully crossed into pop music.
Her 1980 hit 9 to 5, written for the film of the same name, topped the US charts.
She starred in the film alongside Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin and earned an Oscar nomination for best original song.
Her film career continued through the 1980s, with roles in The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, Rhinestone and Steel Magnolias.
She also enjoyed major success with Kenny Rogers, including their 1983 duet Islands in the Stream.
Beyond music and acting, Parton became equally admired for her philanthropy.
Through her Imagination Library literacy initiative, she helped provide more than 300 million books to children.
Across her career, Parton earned 10 Grammy Awards, achieved 25 US country No 1 singles and placed 47 albums in the country Top 10.
Known for her rhinestone-covered outfits, towering hair and sharp humour, Parton often turned her image into part of her legend.
Her famous quip — “it takes a lot of money to look this cheap” — became emblematic of her wit and self-awareness.
Parton was married to Carl Dean from 1966 until his death in 2025.
The couple renewed their vows in 2016 to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary.
With a career spanning more than six decades, Parton leaves behind a musical legacy defined by storytelling, emotional honesty and an unmistakable voice — alongside a philanthropic legacy that touched millions of children.
