The Announcement from her family:
“Dolly Rebecca Parton (January 19, 1946 – August 25, 2026) 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 www.dollyparton.com.
In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations to be made to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library at www.imaginationlibrary.com.”
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A national treasure and an example of what truth looks like in human form.
Her bits on Johnny Carson were priceless. She made all of us better just by being
witness to her generosity and pure country goodness.
I am so sorrowful that she has gone from us.
God bless you Dolly!
The comments from the community here has me in tears.
I’ve been playing Dolly on the radio since the days with Porter in the late ’60s. I have never ceased to be amazed, first at the purity and liquidity of her voice, and then of her songwriting, which conveyed innocence and sincerity in equal measure. Then, too, while she played on her backwoods childhood, she treasured and celebrated it, and drew upon it as a source of gentleness, faith, and inspiration, which accompanied all her performances.
Of all her songs, I find ‘Coat of Many Colors’ the most meaningful and enduring, but as others have posted links to it, I’ll add one of our favorites on Hillbilly at Harvard, ‘My Blue Tears’, from the same album (1971):