Dolly Parton, the queen of country music, has died, aged 80, at her home in Nashville.
A statement from the singer’s PR reads:
“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.”
The iconic singer’s death was announced by her nephew Brian Seaver.
“I have imagined the heaviness of this moment but haven’t truly felt it until now,” he stated on Instagram. “It is an honour, an honour that is mixed with absolute pride and great sadness.”
One of the world’s most recognised entertainers, Parton was one of the biggest and best-loved stars in country music. Born one of 12 children on January 19, 1946, the singer grew up “dirt poor” in the small town of Pittman Center, Tennessee. She was gifted her first guitar, aged seven, by an uncle, and made her debut at legendary country music mecca the Grand Ole Opry in 1959, aged 13, introduced onstage by Johnny Cash.
An exceptional songwriter, Parton famously wrote the worldwide hits Jolene and I Will Always Love You in a single day. Over the course of a career spanning six decades, she released 50 albums, and sold more than 100 million records. Covered by Whitney Houston in 1992, I Will Always Love You remains the best-selling single of all time by a woman, with over 20 million sales.
Parton was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2022, even though she initially declined her nomination.
“I’ve been rockin’ since the day I was born,” she told Classic Rock magazine the following year, “listening to Elvis, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis, Little Richard and all these people that I loved in my youth.”
That same year, Parton surprised the music world by releasing her first ever rock album, Rockstar.
The singer’s 49th solo studio album, Rockstar featured collaborations with a host of rock superstars, including Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Judas Priest’s Rob Halford, John Fogerty, Stevie Nicks, Steven Tyler, Steve Perry, Debbie Harry, Peter Frampton, Joan Jett, and Elton John. The album featured original songs plus Parton’s take on rock classics Stairway To Heaven, We Are The Champions, Free Bird, Let It Be and more.
“My husband Carl is a big rock fan,” Parton explained to Classic Rock. “I’ve heard so many of the great rock songs over the years, because that’s the only thing he ever plays. We’ve been together for fifty-nine years now, so you can imagine how embedded that is. But of course, I had some personal favourites as well. I also had to pick songs that I thought I could sing well, that Ithought I could do justice to. Or at least to try to be as impressive as I could, because I wanted the rock field to be proud of me. I wanted them to say: ‘That’s pretty good! I didn’t know she had it in her!’”
“Rock is not just a sound,” Parton wrote in her memoir Behind The Seams: My Life In Rhinestones. “It’s an attitude. Doing things your way, being a rebel. That’s why I think I’ve always had some rock’n’roll in my soul.”
Former US President Bill Clinton is among those who have paid tribute to the iconic star.
“Dolly Parton was one of a kind,” he posted on X, “a great songwriter and performer who told the stories of everyday Americans with honesty, humility, and heart. 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. Hillary and I were big fans and first saw her in 1974, and will always be grateful for the music and the memories. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family, her legion of fans, and everyone who loved her.”
Paul McCartney also expressed his sorrow at Parton’s passing.
“The magnificent star Dolly Parton has died and it is so sad,” McCartney posted. “Her songwriting, her singing, and her philanthropy were unrivaled in the world of country music and it is hard to imagine living in a world without Dolly. She was a very clever business woman who understood the value of music and, most importantly, the effect that she had on the people of the world.
“There was no greater honour for me than to have her sing my song Let It Be and, even though I only made a small contribution to it, I am so honoured that she did it. I am so proud to have known her and admire her unique talents.
“Thanks Dolly for the beautiful music you gave me and the whole world. We will always love you, god bless and rest in peace. You were the best.”