The news of Dolly Parton’s death has been met with widespread heartbreak, after the country music icon died at 80 following a “brief battle” with cancer.
Everyone from Taylor Swift and Beyoncé to Eminem and Linda Ronstadt have paid tribute to Parton, describing her as “the gift that kept on giving” and saying her legacy would be “an everlasting one”.
Meanwhile, Paul McCartney also remembered Parton, saying her songwriting, singing, and philanthropy were “unrivaled in the world of country music”.
Parton’s nephew Bryan Seaver announced the news of her death on behalf of the family saying: “Dolly has lived in the light and is in the arms of Jesus.” Her representative later confirmed that she had died at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville, surrounded by loved ones.
US president Donald Trump ordered flags to fly at half-staff in the US to honour Parton, writing: “This is a true loss for millions of people. There has never been anyone like her, and never will.”
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Dolly Parton dead at 80
- Dolly Parton death: Beloved Queen of Country who sang ‘Jolene’ and ‘9 to 5’, dies aged 80
- Dolly Parton faced 'brief battle' with cancer
- I interviewed Dolly Parton – this is what she taught me
- Donald Trump orders flags to be lowered in honour of Dolly Parton
- Military band performs '9 to 5' outside Buckingham Palace
Full story: Country legend dies aged 80 after a brief battle with cancer
04:08 , Jacob Stolworthy & Kevin E G PerryDolly Parton, who was born in a two-room log cabin and rose to become the world’s wealthiest country music star with timeless hits including “9 to 5” and “Jolene,” has died aged 80 after a “brief battle with cancer.”
Her death was announced by her nephew, Bryan Seaver, in an Instagram video posted Tuesday afternoon. The musician’s publicist confirmed Parton’s cancer diagnosis to the Associated Press later in the day, but did not give further details on her illness.
“Our beloved Dolly Parton spent her life and career bringing joy, laughter, hope and integrity into everything she touched. Her unmatched generosity reached the lives of countless people whom she would never meet, yet she was always there to offer a helping hand,” the statement from her reps to People magazine read.
“Whether it be the hundreds of millions of books donated through her invaluable Imagination Library or funding research that helped create a lifesaving vaccine used around the world, Dolly’s unconditional love for all people was the guiding force for her lasting impact. After bravely facing a brief battle with cancer, Dolly departed her Earthly life today at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center surrounded by loved ones.”
Read on...
Dolly Parton dies aged 80 after a brief battle with cancer
Celine Dion pays tribute: 'One of the most joyful voices world has ever known'
13:30 , Jacob StolworthySinger Celine Dion has shared a touching tribute to the country music star.
“Dolly…you were pure light, with a kind heart and a generous spirit,” she wrote on Instagram.
“We will now be missing one of the most joyful voices this world has ever known. Thank you for the music, the laughter, and the love you gave us all. We will always love you. Rest in peace, Dolly.”
How Dolly Parton redefined Glastonbury’s Legends slot
13:12 , Jacob StolworthyOne Sunday teatime back in 2014, the Queen of Country drew one of the biggest crowds Glastonbury has ever seen – outshining that year’s blokey line-up and raising the bar for the now-beloved Legends slot.
How Dolly Parton redefined Glastonbury’s Legends slot
Family of Loretta Lynn pay tribute to Dolly
13:00 , Kevin Perry
Lynn’s family honored Dolly Parton with a montage of photos and a statement on X.
“Our whole family is devastated to hear of Dolly’s passing. Dolly was an icon, a legend, a world unto herself. But even more, she was mom’s friend. She was her ‘mountain sister,’” they wrote on behalf of Lynn, who died in 2022.
“They understood each other. Our hearts go out to all of Dolly’s family and team. We take comfort in knowing the Honky Tonk Angels are together again and that one day, we will hear them live again. Sending our love, The Lynn Family”
Our whole family is devastated to hear of Dolly’s passing. Dolly was an icon, a legend, a world unto herself. But even more, she was mom’s friend. She was her “mountain sister”. They understood each other. Our hearts go out to all of Dolly’s family and team. We take comfort in… pic.twitter.com/78Q4H7yeW6
— Loretta Lynn (@LorettaLynn) August 25, 2026
Pitbull says Dolly Parton 'believed' in him 'when a lot of folks didn't'
12:55 , Jacob StolworthyAmerican rapper Pitbull honoured the late country music star at his New York show on Tuesday.
He hailed Parton for showing him love and believing in him “when a lot of folks didn’t”, calling her: “A hard-working woman, intelligent, sophisticated, funny, powerful, intimidating but more than anything a good human being with a good heart”.
Paul McCartney pays tribute to 'magnificent', 'wonderful' Dolly
12:50 , Kevin Perry-d1bbe4e6.jpeg)
Beatles star Paul McCartney posted a thoughtful tribute to Parton, writing on social media:
“The magnificent star Dolly Parton has died and it is so sad. She was such a wonderful woman. I first met her in Nashville at the Grand Ole Opry where she had been playing with the country star Porter Wagoner and was about to start her solo career. She was so bubbly and full of life it is difficult to take in the news that she has passed. Her songwriting, her singing and her philanthropy were unrivaled in the world of country music and it is hard to imagine living in a world without Dolly. She was a very clever business woman who understood the value of her music and, most importantly, the effect that she had on the people of the world. There was no greater honour for me than to have her sing my song ‘Let It Be’ and, even though I only made a small contribution to it, I am so honoured that she did it. I am so proud to have known her and admire her unique talents.”
The private love story of Dolly Parton and her husband Carl Dean
12:35 , Jacob StolworthyThey say opposites attract, and that certainly seemed to be true of country music icon Dolly Parton, known for her dazzling, bedazzled style, and her husband Carl Dean.
Annabel Nugent reports:
The private love story of Dolly Parton and her husband Carl Dean
Military band performs '9 to 5' outside Buckingham Palace
12:18 , Jacob StolworthyThe Royal Family have shared perhaps the most creative tribute yet to Dolly Parton – a video of a military band performing “9 to 5” in the grounds of Buckingham Palace.
They accompanied the post with the caption: “Remembering the late, great Dolly, who brought joy, comfort and inspiration to so many - including the millions of children given free books through her Imagination Library.”
Andy Burnham pays tribute to Dolly Parton: 'Great music that people will treasure forever'
11:47 , Jacob StolworthyNewsreader chokes up while announcing Dolly Parton's death
11:35 , Jacob StolworthyITV News host Mary Nightingale appeared to fight back tears while announcing the sad news of the country music icon’s death on Tuesday night.
I interviewed Dolly Parton – this is what she taught me
11:31 , Roisin O'ConnorIn 2023, when I finally got the email that I had 40 minutes with Dolly Parton, my heart flipped. Parton was notoriously tricky to interview – a mastermind when it came to dancing around a question she didn’t care for. But the moment she answered the call, that famous southern trill coming out of a black video screen, she made me feel like we were old friends.
I interviewed Dolly Parton – this is what she taught me
Queen Camilla's reading charity pays tribute
11:17 , Jacob StolworthyDolly Parton was an advocate for the importance of reading, and Queen Camilla’s reading charity, The Queen's Reading Room, has honoured the singer suitably.
”Dolly once said: ‘You can never get enough books into the hands of enough children', but she gave it a pretty good go, donating more than 300 million books over 30+ years through her Imagination Library.
“By putting so many books into the hands of so many children, she gave the most precious of gifts: the chance to millions of young minds of opening the door to imagination, possibility and a lifelong love of reading.”
Dolly Parton reflects on legacy in resurfaced interview
11:01 , Jacob StolworthyGrand Ole Opry turns into hub for grieving Dolly fans
10:46 , Jacob StolworthyAfter news broke that Dolly Parton had died on Tuesday, the legendary Nashville music venue’s evening entertainment became a night of tributes for the country music icon, led by Rhonda Vincent.
The venue also announced that Saturday night’s show will be dedicated to Parton, and will feature a performance from Carly Pearce, who got her big break thanks to the singer.
Dolly Parton picked the song she wanted played at her funeral 10 years ago
10:30 , Jacob StolworthyPlans for Dolly Parton’s funeral are already in place following the country icon’s death, aged 80.
“At Dolly’s request, a small, private service will be held for immediate family,” the singer’s team shared in a statement.
However, Parton did reveal one major detail about her funeral arrangements to fans more than a decade before her death.
Tom Murray reports:
Dolly Parton named the song she wanted at her funeral more than a decade ago
Dolly Parton's secret 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' involvement
10:15 , Jacob StolworthyDolly Parton was an uncredited producer on Buffy the Vampire Slayer through Sandollar Productions, the company she co-founded with her former manager Sandy Gallin.
Sandollar had produced the 1992 Buffy film, based on Joss Whedon’s screenplay, and executive Gail Berman subsequently helped develop it into the television series starring Sarah Michelle Gellar.
Although Parton was not personally credited, Sandollar appears in the credits throughout the show's 1997-2003 run.
Gellar revealed the connection publicly in 2023, revealing the cast would receive personalised Christmas presents from Parton in the show's early seasons.
Parton herself later spoke about her involvement with the series, telling Andy Cohen in 2021: “I thought Buffy the Vampire Slayer was a wonderful little show.”
Ethan Hawke pays tribute to 'a woman of integrity'
10:05 , Jacob StolworthyEthan Hawke shared a photo of himself alongside the country music icon on Instagram, writing: “I got to meet Dolly Parton, and everything everyone is saying about her was true. Deep, serious, playful, loving, wise…. A woman of integrity. A North Star.
“She knew how to make a positive impact and have a laugh while doing it. I left her presence lighter and charged to be better.”
Dolly Parton's best songs
09:45 , Jacob StolworthyDistilling 11 songs from her vast, decades-long catalog is a formidable task, but certain classics stand out. Here is a key selection from her body of work – ranging from country tracks that challenged traditional gender norms to what remains the greatest ballad ever recorded.
Dolly Parton’s 11 greatest songs that defined her enduring legacy
Why Dollywood is America’s coolest theme park
09:30 , Jacob StolworthyTravel writer Zoey Goto visited Dollywood in 2024 for The Independent and dubbed it America's coolest theme park. In light of Dolly Parton's death at the age of 80, this is Goto’s review.
Dollywood: Why you should visit America’s coolest theme park
How Dolly Parton’s husband inspired her hit song 'Jolene'
09:15 , Jacob StolworthyThrough the years, Carl Dean inspired much of Parton’s work, most famously “Jolene”, one of her biggest hits, when he became the subject of a flirtatious bank teller’s attention.
She regaled her audience at Glastonbury with the story behind the song in 2014, when she performed in the Legends Slot on the Pyramid Stage – and revealed just what her husband thought of the track.
How Dolly Parton’s husband Carl Dean inspired Jolene
Trump orders US flags to fly at half-staff
09:00 , Jacob StolworthyUS president Donald Trump ordered flags to fly at half-staff in the US to honour Dolly Parton.
He wrote: “This is a true loss for millions of people. There has never been anyone like her, and never will.”
'9 to 5' musical spectators learn of Parton's death at start of show
08:45 , Jacob StolworthyAudience members at a performance of 9 to 5 The Musical could be heard gasping after they were informed of Dolly Parton’s death by a cast member.
Spectators at Worthing Theatre in the UK appeared taken aback as the announcement was made by actor Karla Tracey, who plays Parton's character Doralee.
Tracey told the audience: “We would like to take a moment to remember the remarkable Dolly Parton, who has sadly passed away today.”
Dolly Parton’s former editor remembers ‘profoundly good and kind person’
08:30 , Shahana YasminAuthor and former HarperCollins editor Elissa Altman, who worked on Dolly Parton’s 1994 autobiography Dolly: My Life and Other Unfinished Business, has shared a personal account of working with the singer in the mid-1990s.
The book became a New York Times bestseller and offered Parton’s account of her childhood, career, marriage, and rise to fame.

Altman wrote on Substack that during the year or so they worked together, she came to see Parton as “a brilliant businesswoman who took enormous care of the people around her”, saying she treated staff at her production company, Inca Hoots Productions, “like family”.
She also remembered the lighter moments, including asking Parton how she managed to play guitar with her famously long fingernails. Parton’s answer: “Bar chords! Like Richie Havens!”
When HarperCollins produced two leather-bound copies of the autobiography decorated with rhinestones, Parton gave one to Altman. She also left her editor with advice she has never forgotten: “Never be shy about telling people what you’ve accomplished. If you don’t tell them, how will they ever know?”
‘As was Dolly’s wish’: Parton’s Broadway musical to proceed
08:00 , Shahana YasminDolly Parton’s Broadway musical will go ahead following her death, with its producers confirming that the production will open next year, as she had wanted.
In a statement to Variety, the producers confirmed: “As was Dolly’s wish, the Broadway production of ‘Dolly: A True Original Musical’ will begin previews December 7 at the St. James Theatre in New York City with opening set for January 19, 2027, what would have been her 81st birthday.”
Eminem shares touching letter Dolly Parton wrote him: '
07:45 , Jacob StolworthyWhen Eminem was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2022, the decision received criticism considering he is a rap artist. Dolly Parton, who was honoured that same year, wrote him a letter, declaring: “Even though I don’t know a lot about rap music, I’ve come to know that you are the very best at it.”
Eminem, calling Parton a “superstar in every sense”, posted the letter in the wake of the country music legend’s death.
It read: “I hope what I have to say will not seem weird or strange to you but I have always felt some unexplained connection to you like I know you somehow. I had hoped to meet you at the show but you know how nuts those things are. Personally I hate ’em and I missed my chance but maybe someday we’ll meet.”
She continued, “In the meantime, keep doing what you’re doing because you do it so well and no matter how complex your world may be just know you are very special and touch people in ways you don’t even know.”
Sarah Michelle Gellar honours Dolly Parton’s lasting Buffy legacy
07:30 , Shahana YasminSarah Michelle Gellar has remembered Dolly Parton’s little-known role in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, sharing a clip of the singer discussing the series alongside a personal tribute.
“Just being a small part of the great history of Dolly Parton is everything to me,” Gellar wrote.
Parton was an uncredited producer on the 1997-2003 series through Sandollar Productions, the company she co-founded with her former manager Sandy Gallin. Sandollar had produced the 1992 Buffy film based on Joss Whedon’s screenplay, before and executive Gail Berman subsequently helped develop it into the television series starring Gellar.
Although Parton was not personally credited, Sandollar appears in the credits throughout the show's 1997-2003 run.
Gellar revealed the connection publicly in 2023, describing Parton as “the legend” who was a producer on Buffy. She said the cast would receive personalised Christmas presents from Parton in the show's early seasons, even though they rarely saw her.
Parton herself later spoke about her involvement with the series, telling Andy Cohen in 2021: “I thought Buffy the Vampire Slayer was a wonderful little show.”
Dollywood will remain open after Dolly Parton’s death
07:20 , Shahana YasminDollywood will remain open following Dolly Parton’s death, with the Tennessee theme park saying it is doing so in accordance with her wishes.
The park, which Parton helped establish in 1986 after partnering with Herschend Family Entertainment, welcomed visitors on Wednesday, one day after her death at 80. A representative told People that Parton had always emphasised that “the show must go on”.
Dollywood Parks & Resorts President Eugene Naughton also shared a tribute to its founder saying: “Dolly’s heart was as vast as the mountains she cherished, and her compassion knew no bounds. She inspired generations to dream boldly and love deeply. While we grieve her loss, we are honoured, and committed to carry her light forward.”
Parton’s connection to Dollywood went far beyond lending it her name. The 165-acre park in Pigeon Forge became one of Tennessee’s biggest attractions and a major part of her legacy in the Great Smoky Mountains, where she grew up. It includes more than 50 attractions, alongside a water park and two resorts.
In pictures: Dolly Parton’s home state mourns its beloved star
06:30 , Shahana YasminBill Clinton remembers Dolly Parton as ‘one of a kind’
06:15 , Shahana YasminFormer US president Bill Clinton has paid tribute to Dolly Parton, recalling that he and Hillary Clinton were longtime fans and first saw her perform in 1974.
“Dolly Parton was one of a kind – a great songwriter and performer who told the stories of everyday Americans with honesty, humility, and heart,” Clinton wrote. “And she always believed in giving back, especially in her efforts to promote literacy. Hillary and I were big fans and first saw her in 1974, and will always be grateful for the music and the memories.”
Dolly Parton was one of a kind—a great songwriter and performer who told the stories of everyday Americans with honesty, humility, and heart. She rose high from her East Tennessee roots and never forgot where she came from. And she always believed in giving back, especially in…
— Bill Clinton (@BillClinton) August 25, 2026
Hillary’s fondness for Parton has been widely known since 1995, when she celebrated her 48th birthday with a Dolly-themed hoedown at the White House, wearing a blonde wig and Western clothes.
‘Rest easy, Dolly’: Tom Jones remembers country music icon
06:00 , Shahana YasminTom Jones has paid tribute to Dolly Parton, describing her as “a wonderful and generous person” whose loss has left “a great emptiness”.
“Dolly was a one of a kind, altruistic, down to earth, musical genius,” Jones, who rose to international fame with hits like “It’s Not Unusual” and “Delilah”, wrote. “She had an angelic but powerful voice with vast influence on generations to come.”
Losing Dolly leaves a great emptiness. She had an angelic but powerful voice with vast influence on generations to come. A wonderful and generous person with an amazing story, RIP Dolly.
— Tom Jones (@RealSirTomJones) August 26, 2026
Sir Tom Jones
The pair shared a musical connection dating back to the 1980s. Parton appeared on her television variety series Dolly in 1987-88, where she joined Jones for a performance of his signature song “Green, Green Grass of Home”.
Joan Jett remembers Dolly Parton as ‘a musical genius’
05:20 , Shahana YasminJoan Jett has paid tribute to Dolly Parton, describing the country icon as “a one of a kind, altruistic, down to earth, musical genius”.
“Working with her was one of the highlights of my career,” Jett wrote in a tribute shared on social media.
The pair worked together on Parton’s 2023 rock album Rockstar, with Parton covering Joan Jett & the Blackhearts’ 1988 hit “I Hate Myself for Loving You”. Jett joined Parton on vocals for the track, which appeared on Parton’s first full-length rock album.
‘The work ahead has never felt more meaningful’: Dolly Parton’s literacy programme pays tribute
05:10 , Shahana YasminDolly Parton’s Imagination Library has vowed to continue the singer’s work following her death, saying her vision was always to build something that would “last for generations”.
It recalled how proud Parton was of the programme, particularly because of its connection to her father, quoting her as saying: “My Daddy told me the Imagination Library was probably the most important thing I had ever done.”
Our team, our local program partners, and every operational partner who helps make this program possible each month are heartbroken at the loss of our founder, Dolly Parton. (cont.) pic.twitter.com/xXys7ejAKQ
— Imagination Library (@dollyslibrary) August 25, 2026
In a statement, the organisation said: “The world grieves with us today. And yet we find ourselves just as certain about what comes next. For decades, Dolly & the team at The Dollywood Foundation – home of Dolly Parton's Imagination Library – worked to build something that would last for generations. So it will.
"The work ahead has never felt more meaningful, and we will carry it forward as she lifts us all up. Dolly, we will always love you.”
Parton launched the Imagination Library in 1995 in her home county of Sevier County, Tennessee, inspired by her father’s inability to read or write. The programme sends one free, age-appropriate book every month to children from birth to five, regardless of family income. It has since expanded across the US, Canada, UK, Australia and Ireland, gifting millions of books each month.
‘One of the greatest talents’: Lloyd Webber mourns Dolly Parton
05:00 , Shahana YasminComposer Andrew Lloyd Webber has paid tribute to Dolly Parton, recalling the “incredibly special” time they spent together discussing songwriting.
“Farewell dear Dolly,” Lloyd Webber wrote on X. “I’ll never forget the incredibly special time we spent in your trailer talking about songwriting. You were one of the greatest talents I’ve had the privilege of meeting. A great melodist and undisputed queen of storytelling songs.”
Farewell dear Dolly. pic.twitter.com/EHtRRlYnaV
— Andrew Lloyd Webber (@OfficialALW) August 25, 2026
Parton and Lloyd Webber were among the five recipients of the 2006 Kennedy Center Honors, which recognised their contributions to American culture. They attended the Washington ceremony together, where Parton was honoured for her work as a singer, songwriter and performer, while Lloyd Webber was recognised for his musical theatre career.
‘Her legacy will be an everlasting one’: Taylor Swift pays tribute to Dolly Parton
04:50 , Shahana YasminTaylor Swift has paid tribute to Dolly Parton, describing her as “the gift that kept on giving”.
“A world without Dolly doesn’t feel possible, real, or right,” Swift told The Hollywood Reporter. “But because of the eternally generous way she spent her time on this earth and the countless lives she changed for the better, her legacy will be an everlasting one.”
She praised Parton for encouraging people to be themselves while sharing her lessons “gently and honestly, simultaneously, and oftentimes hilariously”.
“She managed to give the world the ultimate mystery and fantasy in some corners of her life, but to give full transparency in the ways that counted. Somehow she was true grace and true grit, all in one dazzling person. She possessed the softest heart when it came to the struggles of others, and a backbone of steel to defend her own self worth as an artist” Swift said.
Swift also highlighted Parton’s songwriting and philanthropy, including the millions of books distributed through her Imagination Library. “She was truly grace and true grit, all in one dazzling person,” Swift wrote.
She ended her tribute: “For the tightropes she walked so that young girls like me could grow up dreaming of joining the circus too. Dolly, I’ll think of you each step of the way.”
Linda Ronstadt on friend Dolly: 'The world is a poorer place without her'
04:50 , Rachel Dobkin
Linda Ronstadt has paid tribute to her friend Dolly Parton.
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of my friend, Dolly Parton. One of the most extraordinary musical experiences of my life was recording with her. The world is a poorer place without her,” she wrote on Facebook.
Grand Ole Opry honors Dolly
04:37 , Rachel Dobkin
“It is with the heaviest of hearts that we say goodbye to a true country music icon, Opry member Dolly Parton.
“There is no doubt Dolly’s mark on the world, and on us here at the Grand Ole Opry, will be deeply felt for generations to come. She taught us to always lead with kindness, generosity, and compassion. May her legacy live on through her songs, the lives she touched, and the countless artists she inspired. There will never, ever be another one like her.
“We will always love you, Dolly,” the legendary Nashville music venue wrote on X.
Sesame Street honors Dolly for her dedication to children's literacy
03:59 , Rachel Dobkin“Sesame Workshop mourns the passing of Dolly Parton, whose music and kindness inspired Polly Darton, a character featured on Sesame Street throughout the 1980s and 1990s.
“Dolly Parton was not only a musician, but a philanthropist dedicated to children's literacy. Sesame Workshop is forever grateful for her dedication to children's literacy and education,” the children’s TV show wrote on X.
Country singer Ella Langley: 'You paved the way for so many to be brave'
03:31 , Rachel Dobkin
“Dolly, thank you for standing up for yourself as an artist, a songwriter, a musician, a producer, an author, a creative, and most importantly a woman in this industry.
“You paved the way for so many to be brave. Thank you for being unaffriad [sic] to show your most authentic self.
“The world needed Dolly and will never see another like it. The gates of heaven just welcomed home a beautiful soul,” Langley wrote on an Instagram Story.
John Mellencamp honors Dolly
02:47 , Rachel Dobkin“A legend and a true humanitarian. Rest in peace, Dolly,” Mellencamp wrote on X, alongside a heartwarming photo of the two.
A legend and a true humanitarian. Rest in peace, Dolly pic.twitter.com/7lAGC56p0e
— John Mellencamp (@johnmellencamp) August 25, 2026
Beyoncé pays tribute to Cowboy Carter collaborator: 'You were the barometer'
02:03 , Rachel Dobkin
Music legend Beyoncé has paid tribute to Dolly Parton, with whom she collaborated on her 2024 Cowboy Carter album.
“You were the barometer. The north star. Bold and brilliant. Talented and tenacious,” Beyoncé wrote on her website.
“You taught so many lessons on how to be uniquely oneself. I am grateful for your art, your heart, your generosity, your humor, your entrepreneurship. I’m honored that I had the privilege to work with you. I will treasure that forever.
“Thank you for your profound impact on the world. You are an angel who has made this world a happier place because of your joyful art. You are truly one of one. Rest peacefully,” the singer added.
Jason Aldean: ‘Thank you for the contributions you made’
01:42 , Rachel Dobkin
“Sad to hear of the passing of @DollyParton today. The term ‘legend’ gets thrown around a lot these days but she really was. An icon to the entire entertainment industry, especially the Country Music family.
“I had the privilege being around her a few times over the years and she was truly a bright light that shined just a little brighter than anyone else in the room. It’s always sad when one of our heroes passes away, but the beauty in music is that her art will live on forever.
“Rest easy Dolly and thank you for the contributions you made and the doors you kicked down for all of us that came after you,” the country star wrote on X.
Dolly Parton faced 'brief battle' with cancer: rep
01:04 , Rachel DobkinDolly Parton died Tuesday following a “brief battle” with cancer, her representative has confirmed to CNN and People. It’s unclear what type of cancer she had.
Read the statement here:
“Our beloved Dolly Parton spent her life and career bringing joy, laughter, hope and integrity into everything she touched. Her unmatched generosity reached the lives of countless people whom she would never meet, yet she was always there to offer a helping hand.”

“Whether it be the hundreds of millions of books donated through her invaluable Imagination Library or funding research that helped create a lifesaving vaccine used around the world, Dolly’s unconditional love for all people was the guiding force for her lasting impact.
“After bravely facing a brief battle with cancer, Dolly departed her Earthly life today at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center surrounded by loved ones.”
Dolly Parton’s Dollywood fate revealed after Queen of Country’s death
Wednesday 26 August 2026 00:38 , Kevin PerryThe show must go on. That’s the motto that Dolly Parton’s namesake theme park is abiding by in the wake of the country music legend’s death.
Read more here:
Dolly Parton’s Dollywood fate revealed after Queen of Country’s death
Former Simpsons showrunner remembers Dolly as 'naturally funny'
Wednesday 26 August 2026 00:33 , Kevin PerryAmong her many film and television appearances, Parton made a cameo as herself on the 1999 The Simpsons episode “Sunday, Cruddy Sunday”, which was set at the Super Bowl.
On X, former showrunner Mike Scully wrote: “She was a delight to direct & so naturally funny. She loved the joke about her make-up remover being strong enough to blow open a jailhouse door. I had her do a few extra unnecessary takes just to make the experience last a little longer. Brightened the day of all in room.”
She was a delight to direct & so naturally funny. She loved the joke about her make-up remover being strong enough to blow open a jailhouse door. I had her do a few extra unnecessary takes just to make the experience last a little longer. Brightened the day of all in room. https://t.co/Hm4EUKqTuH
— Mike Scully (@scullymike) August 25, 2026

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