Dolly Parton dies at 80 as US orders flags at half-staff
The singer-songwriter passed away peacefully in Nashville, leaving behind a legacy of 49 studio albums, 55 Grammy nominations, and the Imagination Library education nonprofit.
Dolly Parton, the United States country music icon renowned for her songwriting and enduring public appeal, has died at the age of 80. Her publicist confirmed that the musician passed away peacefully in Nashville, Tennessee, on Tuesday, 25 August 2026.
Parton’s career spanned six decades, during which she released 49 studio albums and penned hundreds of songs, including enduring classics such as “Jolene”, “9 to 5”, and “Coat of Many Colours”. Rising from humble beginnings in a log cabin in East Tennessee, she became one of the most recognisable figures in American music, known for her distinctive style and self-deprecating wit.
US President Donald Trump ordered flags to be flown at half-staff for a week in honour of Parton. The directive was announced on social media, recognising the cultural significance of the artist who began performing in church services where her grandfather served as a preacher.
Kyle Young, chief executive of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, described Parton as the “most important native of Tennessee”. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1999, Parton accumulated 55 Grammy nominations and 10 wins, making her the third-most nominated woman in Grammy history. Young noted that her legacy was defined by humanity rather than mere celebrity.
Parton’s nephew, Bryan Seaver, shared a video on Instagram stating she was “in the arms of Jesus” upon her passing. He highlighted her impact on aspiring artists, noting that she opened doors for generations of singers and songwriters from all walks of life. Beyond music, she founded the Imagination Library, an education nonprofit that distributed free books to children across Tennessee.
