Country music icon Dolly Parton dies aged 80, family announces

Published on 25/08/2026 - 20:11 GMT+2•Updated 20:45 US country music legend Dolly Parton has died at the age of 80, her family announced in a statement shared on social media. ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Her nephew and security chief, Bryan Seaver, confirmed her death in a video posted to Parton's official social media channels on Tuesday. "This video announcement is something Dolly asked of me years ago, before I fully absorbed it as a future reality," Seaver said, adding that it was an "honour that is mixed with absolute pride and great sadness." Parton was behind global hits including "Jolene" and "I Will Always Love You". According to Seaver, Parton wanted the latter phrase to be used as her final farewell. The singer, songwriter and actress was one of the most influential figures in country music and shaped music and popular culture over a career spanning decades. US President Donald Trump paid tribute to Parton in a post on his Truth Social account, calling her passing a "true loss for millions of people." "There has never been anyone like her, and never will," Trump wrote. He added: "In her honor, I am lowering the American flag throughout the United States for a one week period beginning tonight at 6:00PM."