Country music icon Dolly Parton passed away at age 80 on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, prompting widespread tributes from music legends, film costars, and political leaders celebrating her monumental five-decade career and lasting cultural impact.
The music world and Hollywood are mourning the loss of a legend following the announcement of Dolly Parton’s death. Parton passed away Tuesday morning at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville after being admitted early Friday with kidney and autoimmune issues, as reported by TMZ. She was 80 years old. News of her passing was shared publicly by her nephew, Bryan Seaver, in a video posted to her official Instagram account, where he revealed that the announcement was something his aunt had asked him to prepare years in advance.
Parton leaves behind an unmatched legacy as the best-selling female country music artist of all time, with more than 160 million albums sold worldwide since the release of her 1967 debut album, Hello, I’m Dolly, according to Taste of Country. From timeless anthems like Jolene and 9 to 5 to penning I Will Always Love You—a track that became a defining piece of both country and pop culture history—her catalog spanned more than five decades.
Reba McEntire, Jane Fonda and Hollywood Costars Share Deeply Personal Tributes
Tributes poured in instantly across social media and through statements to entertainment outlets. Reba McEntire, whose friendship with Parton spanned more than four decades after they first performed together at the Grand Ole Opry in 1977, shared an emotional message on social media reported by Yahoo Entertainment.
“Well, I just got the news that my buddy Dolly passed onto the higher and greater side, Dolly, thank you for all the wonderful things you did for us here on earth. Your love, your music and you gave so much with your huge, huge heart. There will never ever be another you.”
Photo: AOL
Reba McEntire, via AOL
McEntire added that she would never forget the first time she met Parton or their final conversation, declaring, I will always love you. Fellow country artist Kacey Musgraves posted on X that the world feels a lot less sparkly all of a sudden, expressing comfort that Parton was now reunited with her late husband, Carl Dean, who passed away in March 2025, according to AOL UK.
Costars from Parton’s celebrated acting career also stepped forward to honor her memory. Julia Roberts, who starred alongside her in Steel Magnolias, told Page Six in a statement covered by AOL that Dolly was a magical and joyous human, adding, I hold knowing her as a treasure in my life. The sun has dimmed today. Sally Field, another Steel Magnolias costar, wrote on Instagram that the world had lost an earthly angel, while Jane Fonda, who shared the screen with Parton in 9 to 5, described herself as devastated and praised Parton’s extraordinary presence, generosity, and playful spirit.
Recent Health Challenges and Unyielding Work Ethic Define Parton’s Final Days
In the days leading up to her passing, Parton had been candid about managing health issues. In an interview published on August 21, she shared with PEOPLE that caring for her late husband, Carl Dean, following his death in March 2025 had caused her to push her own pressing health concerns aside, leading doctors to advise her to rest and slow down, as detailed by Yahoo Entertainment.
Despite the medical setbacks and a wave of exaggerated online rumors fueled by social media AI and tabloid speculation—which McEntire and other friends had previously helped counter—Parton made it clear that she had no intention of stepping away from her creative endeavors. She maintained that she intended to keep working for as long as she was physically able, driven by numerous projects and goals she still wanted to bring to life.
Presidential Proclamation and Global Remembrances Mark a Historic Loss
The impact of Parton’s life reached far beyond the entertainment industry. President Donald Trump shared a tribute on Truth Social, noting that she was one of the greatest Country singers, and far beyond, EVER, and announced that American flags throughout the United States would be lowered for a one-week period beginning Tuesday evening at 6:00 p.m., as reported by AOL UK.
Dolly Parton Dead At 80: Reba McEntire, Kelly Clarkson, Oprah & More Pay Tribute
International icons also reflected on her enduring legacy. From her childhood in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee to global superstardom, Parton’s monumental footprint across music, literacy programs, and philanthropy remains etched into the hearts of millions worldwide.
