Dolly Parton, the country music superstar known for hits including 9 To 5, I Will Always Love You and Jolene, has died at the age of 80, her family announced today (August 25).
Family announcement and presidential tribute
In a video shared on Instagram announcing her passing, Parton's nephew said: “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 until now.
“It is an honour, an honour that is mixed with absolute pride and great sadness. But sadness lies with us, not with Dolly. Dolly has lived in the light and is in the arms of Jesus, surely met by Carl, her parents and countless others who have watched her and longed to meet her in the heavens.”
US President Donald Trump announced that flags will be lowered throughout America in Parton's honour, posting on Truth Social “there has never been anyone like her”.
He said: "Very sad to report that Dolly Parton, one of the greatest Country singers, and far beyond, EVER, has just passed away. This is a true loss for millions of people."There has never been anyone like her, and never will. In her honor, I am lowering the American flag throughout the United States for a one week period beginning tonight at 6:00PM. Rest in Peace, Dolly! The World loves you. President DONALD J. TRUMP"
Celebrity tributes and musical legacy
Other celebrities paid tribute, including Harry Potter author JK Rowling, who said Parton had made “the best contribution to child literacy ever made by a celebrity”. In a post on X, Rowling wrote: “Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library was the best contribution to child literacy ever made by a celebrity.
“Our paths crossed once, in the 90s, backstage at a talk show, and I was completely tongue-tied and starstruck. RIP Dolly. You were a complete, irreplaceable one-off.”
The Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee, where Parton first appeared at age 13, paid tribute on Instagram: “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.”
Broadcast tributes and political reaction
Jo Whiley introduced her BBC Radio 2 evening show by playing I Will Always Love You, Jolene and 9 To 5 in tribute after the singer's death was announced in the 7pm news headlines. Whiley said she was “taken aback” by the news and “so sad”, adding that Parton's 2014 Glastonbury legends slot was “one of the most incredible performances”.
“I don’t think I’ve ever seen that field fuller,” Whiley said, adding that she interviewed Parton at the festival and recalled “she was so kind and so lovely”.
Scotland's First Minister John Swinney also paid tribute, posting on X: “Deeply saddened by the news of Dolly Parton’s death.
“In Scotland, her Imagination Library inspired a love of reading and provided thousands of free books for children. Her warmth, generosity and her music were truly one of a kind. My thoughts are with her family and friends.”
American singer Dionne Warwick said her heart was “heavy” and that she would miss Parton's jokes. She said in a post on X and Instagram: “I will certainly miss her laughter, jokes and her being. Rest well and in total peace my friend. My heart is heavy.”
Life and philanthropy
Parton was born in a single-room cabin in Locust Ridge, Tennessee, in 1946, as the fourth of 12 children. She began her musical journey at the age of six, singing in the local church where her grandfather was the pastor.
By the age of 13, she had reached the pinnacle of country music success – an appearance at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee.
Over the course of her career, which spanned more than 60 years, Parton sold more than 100 million records worldwide and wrote more than 3,000 songs, including hits Coat Of Many Colours and Joshua.
She was a savvy businesswoman, with an empire including a theme park to her name, but also a pioneering philanthropist. Her Imagination Library, a book-gifting programme devoted to inspiring a love of reading in children, has given more than 270 million books to children in need. The programme was started by Parton in 1995, inspired by her father, who could not read or write.
