Dolly Parton dies at age 80 just days after sharing health update
The Queen of Country had been open about her declining health over this past year
Published August 25, 2026
Dolly Parton, the Queen of Country, has passed away at age 80.
Her nephew Brian Seaver announced the tragic news in an Instagram video shared to her official page on Tuesday, August 25, revealing that Parton had assigned him this difficult task years earlier
“My name is Brin Seaver, son of Cassie Parton, and I’m representing the Parton and Owens family today announcing the passing of my aunt, Dolly Rebecca Parton Dean, Sister, Sis and Granny to one generation and Gigi to the next,” Seaver said.
Parton’s health had been declining over the past year, leading her to cancel her Las Vegas residency and multiple public appearances. This past month alone, Parton had missed several scheduled appearances, including the opening of her new Dollywood ride and the ACM awards.
The Jolene hitmaker had spoken to People magazine on August 21 about the public concern surrounding her health, but assured fans she was healing.
