Country music legend Dolly Parton died peacefully at age 80 on August 25, 2026, in Nashville, Tennessee, after a brief battle with cancer, her nephew Bryan Seaver announced [1]. Former President Donald Trump ordered American flags to be lowered to half-staff nationwide starting 6 PM on August 25 through September 1 in her honor [2, 3, 4]. Trump called Parton "a true loss for millions of people" and said, "There has never been anyone like her, and never will," adding, "Rest in Peace, Dolly! The World loves you" [2, 3].
Flags flew at half-staff across the United States, including at notable landmarks. The Empire State Building was lit pink in tribute to her hit song "9 to 5." The British royal family also paid tribute, playing the song outside Buckingham Palace [1]. Parton was known not only as a country music star but also as an actress, philanthropist, and businesswoman, famous for hits like "Jolene" and "I Will Always Love You," and for her Dollywood theme park [1, 2, 3, 4].
Senator Marsha Blackburn expressed deep sorrow, saying, "There are no words to adequately express the sorrow our family and indeed, all Tennesseans, feel in the loss of Dolly Parton. An iconic leader who loved our great state and nation. Her passing leaves a void that no one can ever fill. Dolly, we will always love you" [3]. Her third cousin Brent Allen said, "I feel like she’s one of the last of the salt of the earth. She brought people together" [1].
Parton’s family requested donations to her Imagination Library charity instead of flowers [3, 4]. She was preceded in death by her husband, Carl Thomas Dean, who died in 2025 [3, 4].
A private funeral service will be held this weekend in Nashville for family only, per Parton’s wishes [1, 3, 4].
