It’s hard to imagine many people having a bigger impact than Dolly Parton. Born in a one-room cabin, she earned 11 Grammys and an Emmy, built a business empire, helped millions of kids learn to read, and — as if that wasn’t enough — helped accelerate the research that led to the Moderna COVID vaccine. What a life. Michelle and I are thinking of Dolly’s family and her many, many fans.
Global icon and humanitarian, Dolly Parton, known to the world as a beloved singer, songwriter, philanthropist, actress, playwright, and author died peacefully today in Nashville, Tennessee. She was 80 years old.
Dolly is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 59 years Carl Thomas Dean (1942 – 2025), her mother Avie Lee Caroline Owens (1923 – 2003), and father, Robert Lee Parton, Sr. (1921 – 2000).
A rhinestone life that shone bright enough for the world to see, Dolly will forever stand as an inspiration not only through her timeless music and prolific songwriting, but also her wit, warmth, and kindness that made us all feel like family. Dolly Parton’s legacy is one of love, compassion, and resilience. With a seven-decade career, she inspired multiple generations of artists and fans with her music and an unwavering commitment to making the world a better place. Her songs will continue to resonate with people of all ages, and her philanthropic work will have a lasting impact.
At Dolly’s request, a small, private service will be held for immediate family. Dolly’s fans and friends from around the world are encouraged to pay tribute to Dolly on social media by tagging @DollyParton or by leaving a message at https://t.co/cLu9I7M2wC
In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations to be made to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library at https://t.co/arzrqInqJA
I was lucky enough to know and work with the one and only Dolly Parton. She was a phenomenal guest on the show; always funny and always made everyone she met feel like a million dollars. We did duets together, laughed together and danced through Dollywood in the Smoky Mountains of Pigeon Forge. And even though we did all that, I would still get butterflies just being in her presence. And that’s kind of what I think of when I think of Dolly. She’s a butterfly. Beautiful. Magical. Dreamy. And like most butterflies, they stay for a moment - captivate you, fascinate you, mesmerize you and then fly away far too soon. I love you Dolly. I will always miss you.
Dolly Parton never wavered in her belief that everyone deserved to live openly, love freely and be accepted exactly as they are. As the world mourns the loss of an irreplaceable icon, her words remain as powerful as ever.
Rest in peace, Dolly.
Dolly Parton was one of the most gifted songwriters and talented voices. An undisputed icon. She turned a tiny Appalachian upbringing into a massive career. She put country music on the pop charts, and culturally, she built bridges like nobody else could. To the end, she was always bringing people together with that pure heart, incredible wit, and unrivaled storytelling. Rest in peace, Dolly Parton.
Fans left flowers on Dolly Parton's Hollywood Walk of Fame star Tuesday morning following her death. The beloved singer died at the age of 80. https://t.co/WDLMqr2jnn
Tonight, the Empire State Building tower lights will turn to a pink sparkle at 9:25 to honor the late Dolly Parton.
Dolly was a global cultural icon whose seven-decade career reached generations of fans. Beyond entertainment, Dolly leaves a significant philanthropic legacy through the Dollywood Foundation and Imagination Library, which has provided hundreds of millions of books to children worldwide.
At Nine-Two-Five tonight, we celebrate her and her legacy 💖