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Dolly Parton, one of the greatest legends of country music, has died at 80. The singer had spoken just days earlier about her health problems and assured that, although she was still recovering, she was continuing to work.
The death of Dolly Parton was confirmed this Tuesday, August 25, 2026. The performer of hits such as “Jolene,” “9 to 5,” and “I Will Always Love You” leaves behind a career spanning more than six decades in music, film, business, and philanthropy.
The news comes just days after the singer shared an update on her health. On August 21, Parton spoke with People magazine about the difficulties she had faced over the last few months and asserted that she still had projects to complete.
“I am dealing with some health issues that I didn't pay attention to while I was taking care of Carl,” she explained at the time, referring to her husband, Carl Thomas Dean, who died in March 2025 after nearly six decades of marriage.
What health problems did Dolly Parton have?
During the last few months, Dolly Parton had reduced her public appearances and canceled some commitments due to health problems.
In May, she announced the cancellation of her Las Vegas residency, which had originally been scheduled for December 2025 and subsequently postponed to September 2026.
The singer also had to miss the opening of a new attraction at Dollywood, her theme park in Tennessee. In a video, she explained that her doctor had advised her not to travel after she felt dizzy and dehydrated.
Days before her death, Parton had participated virtually in the ACM Honors, where she received the Poet's Award. On that occasion, she spoke about the importance that songwriting had had in her life and assured that she was responding well to treatment.
Who was Dolly Parton?
Dolly Parton was born on January 19, 1946, in Tennessee and became one of the most important figures in country music. Throughout her career, she wrote and recorded thousands of songs and achieved international hits such as “Jolene,” “9 to 5,” and “I Will Always Love You.”
In addition to her musical career, Parton excelled as an actress, businesswoman, and philanthropist. She participated in films such as 9 to 5 and Steel Magnolias, and was one of the main promoters of the Imagination Library, a program dedicated to encouraging childhood literacy.
The singer earned 11 Grammy Awards and was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame, among other recognitions. Her musical catalog and influence transcended the borders of country to make her one of the most recognized American artists of all time.
[Publicidad]