Country Music Icon Dolly Parton Dies at 80

Dolly Parton, the country music legend behind hits like “Jolene” and “9 to 5,” as well as an actress, businesswoman, fashion icon, and philanthropist, died on Tuesday. She was 80.

Her death was announced in a video featuring her nephew, Bryan Seaver, that was shared on Parton’s social media accounts. Seaver didn’t disclose a cause of death in the video, but Parton’s publicist later told news outlets in a statement that Parton died after a “brief battle with cancer.”

In the video, Seaver said that his aunt “has lived in the light and is in the arms of Jesus, surely met by” her loved ones, including her husband Carl Dean, who died last year, as well as her parents and “countless others who have watched her and longed for her to meet them in the heavens.”

“She never saw a door she couldn’t open, and the doors she opened made and changed history,” Seaver said. “My family and I have shared a lifetime of beautiful memories with Dolly, but so have you. She has always been on your television, your record player, your CD, and on your phone playlist, becoming an extended part of your family whether you liked it or not.”

Read More: Dolly Parton Loved Us All, Darlin'

Purchase a copy of the Dolly Parton cover here

Dolly Parton, the country music legend behind hits like “Jolene” and “9 to 5,” as well as an actress, businesswoman, fashion icon, and philanthropist, died on Tuesday. She was 80.

Her death was announced in a video featuring her nephew, Bryan Seaver, that was shared on Parton’s social media accounts. Seaver didn’t disclose a cause of death in the video, but Parton’s publicist later told news outlets in a statement that Parton died after a “brief battle with cancer.”

In the video, Seaver said that his aunt “has lived in the light and is in the arms of Jesus, surely met by” her loved ones, including her husband Carl Dean, who died last year, as well as her parents and “countless others who have watched her and longed for her to meet them in the heavens.”

“She never saw a door she couldn’t open, and the doors she opened made and changed history,” Seaver said. “My family and I have shared a lifetime of beautiful memories with Dolly, but so have you. She has always been on your television, your record player, your CD, and on your phone playlist, becoming an extended part of your family whether you liked it or not.”

Read More: Dolly Parton Loved Us All, Darlin'

A statement shared on Parton’s social media page said Parton “died peacefully today in Nashville.” The statement referenced her decades-long legacy in both music and philanthropy. It also said that a small, private funeral service will be held for Parton’s immediate family, per her wishes, while it encouraged fans to share tributes to Parton online.

Parton’s family also asked that, instead of flowers, people who wish to express their condolences donate to Parton’s Imagination Library, a program that mails books to children for free. Parton founded the initiative in 1995 in her home state of Tennessee, and it has since expanded to other states and even internationally, donating hundreds of millions of books worldwide.

“I am as proud of the Imagination Library,” Parton told PBS News in 2020, “as I ever will be, anything I ever do for the rest of my life.”

Health issues persist

Last year, fans expressed concerns about the state of Parton’s health after she announced that she would need to postpone upcoming shows in Las Vegas, which she later canceled, because of “some health challenges” that she was dealing with. Parton said that her doctors told her she needed to have “a few procedures,” which she didn’t elaborate on, but she sought to allay any concerns.

“Don’t worry about me quittin’ the business because God hasn’t said anything about stopping yet,” Parton said in a post in September. “But, I believe He is telling me to slow down right now so I can be ready for more big adventures with all of you.”

Amid growing online speculation over her health, Parton posted a video in October, captioned “I ain’t dead yet!” in which she said, “I know lately, everybody thinks that I am sicker than I am. Do I look sick to you? I’m working hard here! Anyway, I wanted to put everybody’s mind at ease.”

She said in the video that when her husband was sick, and after he died, “I didn't take care of myself, so I let a lot of things go that I should’ve been taking care of. So anyway when I got around to it, the doctors said, ‘We need to take care of this, we need to take care of that.’ Nothing major.” She added that she had to cancel some appearances so that she could be near her home and Vanderbilt University Medical Center, which was where she was having “a few treatments here and there.”

In May, Parton shared another video update on her health, in which she said that it would take her more time to be ready to perform on stage again “because some of the meds and treatments make me a little bit swimmy-headed.”

“The good news,” she said at the time, “I’m responding really well to meds and treatments, and I’m improving every day.” She went on to say that she has “always had problems” with kidney stones but that, in recent years, her immune and digestive systems “got all out of whack” and her doctors were “working real hard on rebuilding and strengthening those.” She added that her doctors assured her that her health issues were treatable.

Just four days before her death, Parton told PEOPLE in a statement: “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 reiterated that she hates to cancel things, such as her Las Vegas residency, but admitted, “I just couldn’t do the shows at the level I would want them to be, and in the way that I know my fans would expect them to be. I definitely plan to do special performances in the future, but I won’t tour anymore like I used to.” Parton added that she was in the early stages of developing “avatar performances” that would allow her to put on a show without having to “show up in person.”

“Seriously, though,” Parton told PEOPLE, “even though I’m still healin’, I’m still workin’! You know me — as I’ve often said — I’ve dreamed myself into a corner and I still have so many things I want to achieve, so I’m gonna keep on working as long as I can to see everything come to life.”

Tributes flood in from admirers, from Biden to Beyoncé

Tributes for the country music icon began pouring in on Tuesday afternoon, including from U.S. President Donald Trump, who called Parton “one of the greatest Country singers.” The President said that, in Parton’s honor, he was ordering American flags across the country to be lowered for a week, starting at 6 p.m.

“This is a true loss for millions of people,” Trump said on Truth Social. “There has never been anyone like her, and never will.”

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee announced on Tuesday that flags would be lowered to half-staff that day across the state in honor of Parton, whom he called “Tennessee’s favorite daughter.”

“Rare is the one who climbs to the pinnacle of fame, then scoffs at its allure, only to retain the genuine humility that defines them,” Lee said in a post on X. “Dolly Parton was one of a kind, who loved people, her work, her family, and her Lord. Tennessee has forever been changed - enhanced - by her, and will never be quite the same without Dolly.”

Republican Sen. Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee said in a social media post that she and her husband were “absolutely heartbroken and saddened to hear of the passing of our friend.”

“Dolly’s life and career are forever woven into Tennessee’s music, culture, and history,” Blackburn said. “Her extraordinary talent, generosity, and love for the Volunteer State touched hearts around the world and will continue to inspire generations to come. Tennessee will forever be grateful for Dolly.”

Other politicians mourned the loss of Parton as well, remembering not only her contribution to the music industry but also her philanthropic legacy and advocacy.

Former President Bill Clinton said in a post on X that he and his wife, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, “were big fans” of Parton and “will always be grateful for the music and the memories,” including seeing her perform in 1974. “Dolly Parton was one of a kind—a great songwriter and performer who told the stories of everyday Americans with honesty, humility, and heart,” Clinton said. “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.”

Former President Joe Biden called Parton “an American original” and “an inspiration to millions.”

“She was a relentless advocate for women and for equality. Through her Imagination Library, she placed the gift of reading into the hands of millions of children because she understood literacy is the foundation of opportunity,” Biden said in a post on X. “But perhaps most importantly, Dolly treated everyone with kindness and respect. She lived her values with a flair and vitality for life that was uniquely her own. She was a trailblazer in every sense of the word, and she will be missed by millions around the world.”

Former Vice President Kamala Harris called Parton “a true American icon” and listed her many accolades in a social media post. “All at once she was kind, modest, and funny,” Harris said. “With her music, her philanthropy, and her style, Dolly was one of one.”

“Dolly Parton was one of the great entertainers of our era,” Independent Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont said on X. “She was not only a talented musician & songwriter, but a lifelong philanthropist and advocate for literacy, education, LGBTQ+ rights, healthcare and disaster relief. Her music and humanity touched millions. She will be sorely missed.”

Education Secretary Linda McMahon said, “America lost an icon today. Dolly Parton embodied so much of what is possible in America - a remarkable singer, songwriter, entertainer, businesswoman, and philanthropist.” McMahon added that Parton’s “greatest legacy extends far beyond her music,” praising and linking to Parton’s Imagination Library.

Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling called Parton’s Imagination Library “the best contribution to child literacy ever made by a celebrity.” Rowling added in a post on X, “Our paths crossed once, in the 90s, backstage at a talk show, and I was completely tongue-tied and starstruck. RIP Dolly. You were a complete, irreplaceable one-off.”

Conservative media personality Megyn Kelly was among many who remarked on Parton’s broad appeal. “Dolly Parton seemed as close to total goodness as any mere mortal could come,” Kelly said in a post on X. “She united us all in our love and admiration for her and, now, in mourning her.”

CNN anchor Kaitlan Collins also remembered Parton on air Tuesday night, reporting on how people across the country were mourning the icon—including Collins.

“As a young girl growing up in the Deep South, Dolly was right up there with every other music legend that made up the soundtrack to our childhood. I can still remember my family driving from our home in Alabama up to Pigeon Forge, often blaring songs like ‘Hard Candy Christmas’ as the leaves were turning in the fall,” Collins recalled. “We loved our trips to the Great Smoky Mountains, the same mountains that gave all of us Dolly Parton.”

Many musicians also shared tributes for Parton.

Billy Ray Cyrus reflected on his years-long friendship with Parton.

“I have so many moments and memories with Dolly, it’s hard to know where to start,” he said in an Instagram post. “Like every little boy, I grew up loving Dolly Parton. She was a part of our lives, on our TV’s, right in our living rooms.”

“Dolly recently sent me a beautiful message, telling me she loved me with her whole heart,” he continued. “I will always love her in the same way ….. with my whole heart … and I always will.”

Fellow octogenarian entertainer and friend Dionne Warwick posted on X a photo with Parton and said, “I will certainly miss her laugher, jokes and her being. Rest well and in total peace my friend. My heart is heavy.”

Country singer and actress Reba McEntire honored her friend in a statement, thanking her “for all the wonderful things [she] did for us here on earth.”

“We will remember and cherish every memory and every note you ever played and sang,” McEntire said. “Thank you, Lord, for Dolly. She’s gonna have a blast in heaven singing all her favorite songs with all her family and friends who have gone on before her.”

“Dolly Parton had a way of making everyone feel special, and seen, and welcomed, and as if you were old friends,” Kelly Clarkson said in a social media post. “I will miss her heart and her voice as I am sure millions will. What an incredible gift and talent she was and still is with an amazing catalogue of art she has left behind for all of us.”

Beyoncé shared a touching tribute addressed to Parton on her website, saying, “You were the barometer. The North Star. Bold and brilliant. Talented and tenacious. You taught so many lessons on how to be uniquely oneself.” Beyoncé went on to say that she was “honored” that she had the opportunity to work with Parton: “I will treasure that forever. Thank you for your profound impact on the world. You are an angel who has made this world a happier place because of your joyful art. You are truly one of one.”

“Dolly Parton taught us that a woman can be powerful, beautiful and talented, and still be kind,” Jennifer Hudson said in a post on X. “And that success never has to come at the expense of grace, generosity, or heart !! What a wonderful example she set for us all. Rest well, Ms. Parton! We will always love you!! May your light shine on…”

Kacey Musgraves shared multiple posts on X about the news, saying in one that she was glad Parton was reunited with her late husband and summing up her sadness in another: “The world feels a lot less sparkly all of a sudden.”

‘Head honcho’ of heaven

Parton’s co-stars from her first feature film, 9 to 5 (1980), for which she also provided the Academy Award-nominated and chart-topping theme song, also paid their respects to Parton after her death.

Lily Tomlin called Parton “The Great Harmonizer of Humanity” in a post on X, while Jane Fonda shared a lengthy tribute on Instagram.

“I know that millions are mourning and I want to say this – more than anyone I have ever known, Dolly will always be with us because she was so present, so powerful, so generous and playful that she is woven into all our lives and hearts forever,” Fonda said.

“I never knew anyone like her,” Fonda added. “She was simultaneously a naughty, playful southern gal from the hollows of Tennessee and a deep, soulful thinker who could see through people right down to their true selves. She was many things…lyricist, songstress, player of many instruments, writer, prankster, visionary, loyal friend She was the voluptuous embodiment of empathy. That’s something of hers she’d want us all to take with us.”

“To her gay and trans fans,” Fonda continued, “I want you to know that she loved you. You know that without me telling you. She loved all her fans and they are legion. And you know she doesn’t want y’all to mourn now. Dress up and celebrate her spirit. But first, watch the final episode of Grace and Frankie,” Fonda said, referring to her Netflix show with Tomlin that concluded in 2022 with a guest appearance by Parton, “where she’s an Angel, the head honcho working class angel in Heaven.”