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.
Few stars could light up a screen, tell a story through a song, or find their way into our hearts quite like Dolly Parton.
Dolly brought something entirely her own to everything she did. She was radiant on screen and in song; she could put a lifetime of feeling into just a few words. And through it all, there was a warmth to Dolly that made her feel wonderfully close to us.
A two-time Oscar nominee, Dolly was also honored by the Academy last year with the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, which recognized the extraordinary compassion and generosity she shared so freely with others.
We will always love you, Dolly. ❤️
Words fail me today, words to describe the spirit that was Dolly. I was blessed with knowing her, just a little. We all were. I will strive the rest of my days to be as joyful and loving as she was. Her talent and gifts she gave us will live on for generations. We are a better world because she walked among us. May she live in the stars of the night and in the light of our days.
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 💖
It is with the heaviest of hearts that we say goodbye to a true country music icon, Opry member Dolly Parton.
There is no doubt Dolly’s mark on the world, and on us here at the Grand Ole Opry, will be deeply felt for generations to come. She taught us to always lead with kindness, generosity, and compassion. May her legacy live on through her songs, the lives she touched, and the countless artists she inspired. There will never, ever be another one like her.
We will always love you, Dolly. 🤍
Dolly Parton, the beloved global entertainment icon who sold more than 100 million records and whose songwriting prowess and sure-handed approach to her career reshaped the face of country music, popular music, and the entertainment industry at large, has died. 🕊️
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
Dolly Parton leaves behind one of the greatest careers in music history:
• 100M+ records sold worldwide
• 50 studio albums
• 25 No. 1 country singles
• 44 Top 10 country albums
• 110+ charted singles
• 11 GRAMMY wins
• 54 GRAMMY nominations
• 10 CMA Awards
• 13 ACM Awards
• 3 Emmy Awards
• 3,000+ songs written
• Country Music Hall of Fame inductee
• Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee
• Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee
Dolly Parton, 1946–2026. A true legend of music and entertainment.
Well, I just got the news that my buddy Dolly passed onto the higher and greater side.
Dolly, thank you for all the wonderful things you did for us here on earth.
Your love, your music and you gave so much with your huge huge heart.
There will never ever be another you.
We will remember and cherish every memory and every note you ever played and sang.
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.
I’ll never forget the first time I met you and I’ll never forget our last conversation. I hold it with love in my heart.
I will always love you,
Reba
“I’ve been in this industry for 60 years. I just want to tell you: never give up on your dream, no matter what happens. Live it, be it, and if it’s not happening now, it will happen soon.”
— Cher at the #GRAMMYs .