Dolly Parton, Country Star and Icon, Dies at 80

The country icon's family confirmed the devastating news just days after she opened up about her declining health following the loss of her husband.

Dolly Parton, the beloved "Queen of Country," icon, businesswoman, and philanthropist, has died. Her nephew, Bryan Seaver, shared the news in an Instagram video posted to her account on Tuesday, August 25, 2026. She was 80.

Dolly Parton performs during "Dolly: An Original Musical" fireside chat and press conference at The Fisher Center for the Performing Arts on January 28, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee. | Source: Getty Images

"My name is Bryan Seaver, son of Cassie Parton, and I'm representing the Parton and Owens family today announcing the passing of my aunt, Dolly Rebecca Parton Dean, Sister, Sis and Granny to one generation and Gigi to the next," Seaver began.

"This video announcement is something Dolly asked of me years ago, before I fully absorbed it as a future reality. As her head of security for more than two decades, a role my father Larry held before me, I have imagined the heaviness of this moment but haven't truly felt it until now."

Dolly Parton poses for publicity portrait for the film "Rhinestone," circa 1984. | Source: Getty Images

He continued, "It is an honor, an honor that is mixed with absolute pride and great sadness. But sadness lies with us, not with Dolly. 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 to meet her in the heavens."

Seaver recalled that he began touring with his aunt at a young age, getting his first taste of life on the road back in the early 1980s. He credited her with opening doors — not just for him, but for their entire family — helping them accomplish things they never imagined possible.

Dolly Parton, circa 1970 | Source: Getty Images

He also reflected on her wider impact, noting that she paved the way for countless singers, songwriters, musicians, and dreamers around the world. "By her example, we believed that anything is possible. She never saw a door she couldn't open, and the doors she opened made and changed history," he said.

"My family and I have shared a lifetime of beautiful memories with Dolly, but so have you," Seaver continued. "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."

Dolly Parton poses for a portrait in circa 1976. | Source: Getty Images

Seaver went on to say that both the family and the team entrusted with Dolly's legacy remain committed to keeping her spirit alive for years to come. He then shared a poignant detail about her final wishes, recounting a conversation that captured her humor and humility even in her last days:

He closed his tribute with a final farewell, saying, "Rest in peace, Aunt Dolly — Aunt, Granny, Gigi. May God bless Dolly Parton, and may God bless you all. She will always love you."

Seaver's announcement comes just four days after Parton shared a candid health update with People, revealing that her condition had steadily worsened since the death of her husband, Carl Dean, in March 2025.

Even so, as she underwent treatment, she remained determined to keep working and accomplish more with the time she had left.

"Even though I'm still healin', I'm still workin'!" Dolly said. "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."