Dolly Parton, the iconic singer-songwriter and humanitarian, has died at age 80. Her family announced the news on August 25.
Key facts
- •Dolly Parton died at age 80, with the news shared by her nephew Bryan Seaver on August 25.
- •Parton was married to Carl Thomas Dean for nearly 60 years until his death in March 2025.
- •Her career included 11 Grammy Awards and the founding of the Imagination Library children's book club.
- •Parton had recently reported receiving medical treatment for immune and digestive system issues.
- •She had been working on a Nashville hotel and museum project prior to her passing.
Country music icon Dolly Parton has died at the age of 80, according to an announcement from her family on August 25. Her nephew, Bryan Seaver, shared the news in an Instagram video, noting that Parton had requested he make the announcement. Her death follows a period of declining health that she had previously attributed to health challenges and the loss of her husband, Carl Thomas Dean, in March 2025.
By the numbers
Career and Legacy
Parton’s career spanned several decades and included 11 Grammy wins, among them a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. Her professional contributions extended to feature films, such as "Steel Magnolias," and the development of "Dolly: A True Original Musical." Beyond music and film, she was known for her philanthropic and business ventures, including the 165-acre theme park Dollywood and the children’s literacy program, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.
Recent Health Challenges
In the months leading up to her death, Parton had been open about her declining health. In a May 4 social media update, she mentioned she was undergoing treatments for issues involving her immune and digestive systems, as well as recurring kidney stones. These health concerns led her to cancel previously postponed concert dates in Las Vegas. Parton had also spoken publicly about the impact of the death of her husband, Carl Thomas Dean, who passed away on March 3, 2025, at age 82.
Timeline
- March 3, 2025Parton's husband, Carl Thomas Dean, died at the age of 82.
- May 4Parton posted an update on social media regarding her ongoing medical treatments.
- August 25Parton's family announced her death via an Instagram video.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Healthline.
