Legendary American singer, songwriter, actress and philanthropist Dolly Parton has died at the age of 80 after a brief battle with cancer, bringing to an end a remarkable career that spanned nearly six decades.

Parton died on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville, Tennessee, surrounded by loved ones, according to a statement from her representatives. The type of cancer was not disclosed.

Born Dolly Rebecca Parton on January 19, 1946, the internationally acclaimed entertainer rose from humble beginnings in rural Tennessee to become one of the most influential and celebrated figures in country music.

Her death came only days after she spoke publicly about recent health difficulties. In an interview published on August 21, Parton acknowledged that she had been going through "hard times" with her health after previously revealing that her immune and digestive systems had been affected. She was admitted to hospital that same day.

Parton had faced health challenges at different points in her life but remained active in music, entertainment, business and philanthropy. Her passing has triggered an outpouring of grief and tributes across the United States and beyond.

Widely known as the "Queen of Country," Parton built an extraordinary musical legacy with enduring songs such as Jolene, Coat of Many Colors, 9 to 5 and I Will Always Love You. The latter became an international phenomenon when Whitney Houston recorded her own version.

Parton's journey in music began at an early age. She was performing on local television as a child and appeared at Nashville's Grand Ole Opry as a teenager. Her debut album, Hello, I'm Dolly, was released in 1967 and marked the beginning of a recording career that would establish her as one of the most recognisable entertainers in the world.

Beyond music, Parton established herself in Hollywood, starring in movies including 9 to 5, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, Steel Magnolias, Straight Talk and Joyful Noise.

Her achievements included 11 Grammy Awards and induction into both the Songwriters Hall of Fame and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. She sold more than 100 million records during her career and wrote thousands of songs.

Parton was equally celebrated for her humanitarian work. Through initiatives such as the Imagination Library, she championed children's literacy on a massive scale, while her philanthropy also extended to disaster relief, education and medical research. Her financial support for research at Vanderbilt University helped efforts that contributed to the development of a COVID-19 vaccine.

Tributes have continued to pour in following news of her death, with fellow entertainers remembering her not only for her musical talent but also for her generosity, warmth and ability to connect with people across generations.

The Academy of Country Music described Parton's influence as extending far beyond the stage, while political leaders, musicians and other public figures paid tribute to her extraordinary life. President Donald Trump also honoured the late singer, describing her as one of country music's greatest performers and ordering flags lowered in her memory.

Her death marks the passing of one of the defining figures in the history of country music, but the songs, humanitarian initiatives and cultural legacy she built over decades are expected to continue influencing generations.

Dolly Parton was 80.