Dolly Parton, country music icon, dies at 80
NBC News • • entertainment
Key Points:
- Dolly Parton, the beloved "Queen of Country" music and American icon, has died at age 80, as announced by her family via a video from her nephew Brian Seaver on Instagram; no cause of death was provided.
- Parton had been battling health issues related to kidney stones and immune system problems in recent years and had canceled a Las Vegas show earlier in 2026.
- Over her six-decade career, Parton sold over 100 million records, won 11 Grammy Awards, starred in films like "9 to 5," and built a $650 million entertainment empire including the Dollywood theme park.
- A devoted philanthropist, Parton founded the Dollywood Foundation and the Imagination Library, which has mailed over 300 million free books to children worldwide, inspired by her father's illiteracy.
- Known for her distinctive voice, Southern charm, and advocacy for LGBTQ rights and education, Parton remained active in music and public life until recent years and was deeply mourned by fans and peers.
