Dolly Parton, country music icon, dies aged 80

Country music icon Dolly Parton has died at the age of 80, her family has announced. The 11-time Grammy-winning artist, best known for her genre-defining hits including 9 To 5, I Will Always Love You and Jolene, “died peacefully” on Tuesday in Nashville, Tennessee, according to a statement released by her PR team. Separately, in a video shared to Parton’s Instagram page, the singer’s nephew announced her death, saying: “My name is Brian 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. Shorts “Sister, sis and Granny to one generation and Gigi to the next. Mr Seaver continued: “This video announcement is something Dolly asked of me years ago, before I fully absorbed it as a future reality. As her head of security for more than two decades, a role my father Larry held before me, I have imagined the heaviness of this moment but haven’t truly felt it until now.” “It is an honour, an honour that is mixed with absolute pride and great sadness. But sadness lies with us, not with Dolly. “Dolly has lived in the light and is in the arms of Jesus, surely met by Carl, her parents and countless others who have watched her and longed to meet her in the heavens.” The statement released by Parton’s PR team on Tuesday read: “Global icon and humanitarian, Dolly Parton, known to the world as a beloved singer, songwriter, philanthropist, actress, playwright, and author died peacefully today in Nashville, Tennessee. She was 80 years old. “Dolly is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 59 years Carl Thomas Dean (1942 – 2025), her mother Avie Lee Caroline Owens (1923 – 2003), and father, Robert Lee Parton, Sr. (1921 – 2000). “A rhinestone life that shone bright enough for the world to see, Dolly will forever stand as an inspiration not only through her timeless music and prolific songwriting, but also her wit, warmth, and kindness that made us all feel like family. Dolly Parton’s legacy is one of love, compassion, and resilience. With a seven-decade career, she inspired multiple generations of artists and fans with her music and an unwavering commitment to making the world a better place.” This is a breaking news story will be updated.