The global music community is mourning the loss of legendary singer-songwriter Dolly Parton, affectionately celebrated as the “Queen of Country”, who has passed away at the age of 80.
Her family confirmed the news on Tuesday via an official statement shared on her social media channels.
In an accompanying video message, the late superstar’s nephew, Brian Seaver, addressed her passing, sharing emotional tributes on behalf of the Parton and Owens family without detailing an immediate cause of death.
“My name is Brian 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 said in a video.
“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 til now,” he added.
Seaver shared comfort in her deep-rooted faith, noting that Dolly “lived in the light and is in the arms of Jesus, surely met by (her late husband) Carl, her parents, and countless others.”
“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 concluded.
Recent Health Battles
Her passing follows a period of scaled-back public appearances and health management. Back in May 2026, Parton opted to cancel a planned concert residency in Las Vegas, pointing to ongoing treatments she required for persistent kidney stones.
“Lord, they dig more stones out of me a year than the rock quarry in Rockwood, Tennessee,” Parton said in a statement.
“But seriously, my immune system and my digestive system got all out of whack over the past couple three years, and they’re working real hard on rebuilding and strengthening those and hopefully I’ll be up to snuff again soon.”
A Legendary Legacy
Rising from impoverished, humble beginnings in a one-room cabin in East Tennessee, Parton built an illustrious, multi-decade career that forever transformed American music. Selling upward of 100 million records worldwide, she rightfully earned her moniker as the “Queen of Country” through generation-defining standards like “Jolene”, “9 to 5” and “I Will Always Love You”.
Beyond authoring over 3,000 original compositions and collecting 11 Grammy Awards, Parton left an indelible mark on cinema with standout performances in films such as 9 to 5, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, Steel Magnolias, and Joyful Noise.
She is equally celebrated for her vast philanthropic efforts, notably founding the Imagination Library to champion global childhood literacy.
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