Dolly Parton Dies at 80: Nephew Shares Heartbreaking Message

One of the biggest icons of country music, 80-year-old Dolly Parton, has died, with her family confirming her death today, August 25, 2026.

The news was announced in an emotional video on social media by her nephew Bryan Seaver, who was also her longtime head of security.

Dolly Parton, YouTube

He emphasized that Dolly had entrusted him years ago with her wishes for how he should one day announce her passing. She leaves behind more than six decades of music, countless unforgettable hits, and an extraordinary humanitarian legacy.

She died in Nashville, cause of death remains unknown

The family announced that the legendary singer died in Nashville. The exact cause of death has not yet been publicly disclosed.

Her health had caused considerable concern in recent months. Dolly Parton had spoken openly in recent days about health problems that forced her to cancel several commitments.

Among other issues, she had experienced dizziness and dehydration, and doctors advised her to avoid traveling. Shortly before her death, she had spoken about new projects and her desire to continue creating, making today's news particularly unexpected for her fans.

Her nephew shared the heartbreaking news in a video

Her nephew Bryan Seaver said in an emotional statement that he recorded the announcement at Dolly's request, which she had entrusted to him years ago. He explained that he had been her head of security for more than two decades, taking over the role from his father, Larry.

He emphasized that Dolly had "lived in the light and is now in Jesus' arms," where her husband Carl and her parents were among those waiting for her. "For one generation, she was a sister, aunt and grandmother, and for the next, a great-grandmother," he added in his message.

She leaves behind unforgettable songs

Over the course of her decades-long career, Dolly Parton became much more than a country singer. Her name is associated with songs that transcended genre boundaries, including Jolene, 9 to 5 and I Will Always Love You.

The latter gained a second life when Whitney Houston recorded it in the early 1990s. Parton was also successful as an actress, entrepreneur and songwriter, with a career that brought her numerous honors, including 11 Grammy Awards and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

She was married to Carl Dean for nearly 60 years

A major part of her private life was her husband Carl Dean, whom she married in 1966. Dean largely stayed away from the public eye throughout his life and remained far from the media spotlight, despite his wife being one of America's most recognizable women.

Dean died in March 2025 at the age of 82. His death deeply affected Dolly, and in the months that followed she spoke several times about her grief and how caring for her husband had also affected her own health.

Family wants a private funeral

At Dolly Parton's request, the funeral will be held in a private family ceremony. Her loved ones have asked fans to honor her with tributes on social media instead of sending flowers.

The family has also asked those who wish to pay their respects to make donations to Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, which provides free books to children.

Parton leaves behind not only music that has touched generations, but also a humanitarian legacy that will continue to live on.