Legendary U.S.A. country and rock singer, songwriter DOLLY PARTON passed away 8/25/2026 of cancer at 80.
DOLLY PARTON supported LGBTQ and many great causes and even donated 1 million dollars to MODERNA for research of the COVID vaccine.
DOLLY PARTON had hits with "Working 9 to 5", "JOLENE" and Whitney Houston's cover of PARTON'S song "I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU".
DOLLY PARTON unleashed a rock album "ROCKSTAR", 11/17/2023 via BUTTERFLY/BIG MACHINE.
FROM DOLLY PARTON (FACEBOOK)
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. Her songs will continue to resonate with people of all ages, and her philanthropic work will have a lasting impact.
At Dolly’s request, a small, private service will be held for immediate family. Dolly’s fans and friends from around the world are encouraged to pay tribute to Dolly on social media by tagging @DollyParton or by leaving a message at www.dollyparton.com
In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations to be made to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library at www.imaginationlibrary.com
FROM LOUDWIRE:
REMEMBER THIS? In light of the news of country legend Dolly Parton's death, we're reminded of that incredible moment where her and the Metal God took the stage together at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony in 2022.
During the all-star jam to close out the ceremony, Rob Halford sang "Jolene" with Parton as she donned Judas Priest's signature studded leather look.
Dolly even released a rock album titled 'Rockstar' in 2023, featuring a lot of rock and metal royalty as guests, including Halford.
"I had to do a rock album, because if I’m going to be in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, I’m going to by God earn it!" she told Pollstar prior to the induction ceremony. "I even wrote a song about the whole situation to sing at the ceremony. A fine, cute little rock ‘n’ roll song that’ll probably go on the rock ‘n’ roll album. It’s called 'Rockin’': 'You know I’ve been rockin’ since the day I was born…' You know, listening to Elvis and Journey and Chuck Berry, all those great people. It’s a fine little song, and it’s real rock-y, so I’ll have something fun to play off of, to ease some of the tension."
FROM STANDING BEAR NETWORK:
When a Light Leaves the Circle
Today, the world lost Dolly Parton.
Many will remember the rhinestones.
And the songs that somehow became part of our own lives.
But I find myself thinking about something quieter.
A woman born into poverty
who never became ashamed of where she came from.
A woman who reached some of the highest places in this world
and still remembered the children
who had very little.
She understood that a song could accompany someone through sorrow.
That laughter could soften a difficult day.
And that placing a book into the hands of a child
could open a door long after she was gone.
Dolly Parton became famous because the world saw her.
But she remained beloved
because she never stopped seeing the world.
Children with dreams larger than their circumstances.
She saw those who felt different
and somehow made room for them without demanding
that everyone become the same.
In a time when so many people build their names
by dividing others…
Dolly built hers by bringing people together.
She once said that her songs would be her legacy.
And perhaps they will be.
But legacy is not only what carries our name.
It is what continues working
after we are no longer here.
It is every child who opened a book
because she believed imagination mattered.
Every person who found comfort in one of her songs.
Every woman who saw that she could be intelligent, strong, generous, and entirely herself.
Every human being who was reminded
that humility does not require us to make ourselves small.
The measure of Dolly Parton’s life
was not simply how brightly she shone.
It was how much of that light
she chose to give away.
Tonight, one voice has grown quiet.
a child will open a book
that arrived because Dolly Parton remembered
what it was like to begin with very little.
is how a person becomes an ancestor.
Not by refusing to leave.
But by placing something loving into this world
that continues walking after them.
May you find Carl waiting for you.
And may the love you gave so freely
now surround you.
FROM ROCK MUSIC ASSOCIATION:
Rock In Peace Ms Dolly Parton, singer, songwriter, guitar picker, she did it her way every time. She was a whole lotta country, but you can’t get much more rock and roll than Dolly. Gone to that big gig in the sky. #DollyParton #RockHonorRoll
FROM GARY HOLT (EXODUS/SLAYER):
RIP Dolly Parton, one of my fathers favorite singers
FROM ALEX SKOLNICK (TESTAMENT):
It will be difficult to imagine a world without Dolly Parton. It’s hard to think of anyone so definitively country, yet crossed over completely without ever leaving the genre behind, unlike other icons who began with country roots but came to be known as something else ie Elvis & Taylor Swift (like those two, she became a true ambassador for the guitar). By the time I discovered her, aground the time of the “9 to 5”movie and single, I was already into rock and her music at this time felt a bit mainstream for my tastes. But later, discovering earlier tracks like Jolene (of course) and my favorite, “Daddy’s Moonshine Still,” this era felt like the “real deal”.
She was also as serious and smart a businesswoman as can be. Sure she played up the “ditzy blond” role like no other (and I’d be lying to say my attention wasn’t grabbed as a prepubescent male) but it always felt she was having fun, in on the joke and laughing all the way to the bank. She also put her success to great use as a philanthropist and was by all accounts, an incredibly kind and genuine person. Her recent embrace of hard rock & metal (and Rob Halford and other guests) was fun to witness. It looked as though more such unpredictable experiments were on the horizon and her seemingly eternal youth made that seem possible. Sadly that is not the case. Today’s a day that seemed it would never come.
A true queen has left us You didn’t have to be a country fan to think “I will always love you” about Dolly. RIP
FROM FIGHT FOR A UNION:
Dolly Parton could’ve been a billionaire but instead she cared more about the working class people in her Tennessee community.
While Republican states are banning books from schools, Dolly donated 300 million free books to schools and libraries across the US.
While dozens of Pharma executive make billions price gouging patients who need life-saving medicines, Dolly funded the development of the COVID vaccine out of her pocket. In that one act, Dolly helped save millions of lives in the US and around the world!
Rather than hoard her wealth like predator billionaires Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos, Dolly gave back to her community and built an unmatched legacy. Dolly Parton's life reminds us that tech CEOs and the billionaire class contribute nothing to our society.
FROM JIMMY CARTER PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY:
The Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum joins people across America and around the world in mourning the loss of Dolly Parton.
A proud daughter of the South, Dolly brought joy to generations through her music, her unmistakable humor, and a spirit of generosity that extended far beyond the stage. Her commitment to literacy, education, and improving the lives of others reflected a belief shared by President and Mrs. Carter: that our greatest measure is what we do for one another.
President and Mrs. Carter were fortunate to know Dolly and shared with millions an admiration for her extraordinary talent, warmth, and kindness. From evenings celebrating country music together in Washington to their shared commitment to improving the lives of others, theirs was a friendship rooted in a deep love of people and the place they called home.
Today, we remember an American original and a wonderful friend. Dolly, we will always love you!
Our thoughts are with the Parton family and all those who loved her.
Image: President Jimmy Carter and First Lady Rosalynn Carter greet Dolly Parton at the White House on October 2, 1979, before attending the Country Music Gala at Ford’s Theatre. NAID 84150
FROM JIM MARCUS:
Fun ways we can honor Dolly Parton forever
1. Never again slut shame anyone. Hussies forever.
2. Never look down on anyone for their appearance or clothing.
3. Drop a book or two off at kids’ schools or libraries when possible.
4. Watch out for any sign of racism. Dolly was raised in a way that she could have easily been racist. She worked hard not to be.
5. Be a good Queer ally. Remember how many times Dolly made her support clear. She wasn’t quiet. People knew where she stood before they needed to.
6. Make things. She wrote 3,000 great songs. She listened to her muse and did it, no matter what was in the way.
7. Be kind. Dolly Parton was rich and famous. She didn’t need to be as kind as she was. But there she was every time.
8. Support health and medicine. No one knows how many lives were saved by her early large donations to develop the Covid Vaccine. The doctors were clear it gave them months head start. Those were all lives she saved.
9. We can try to be there for people, the way she donated endlessly to people after disasters and tried to help them get by.
10. Be kind to animals. Her work to save the Eagle from extinction made a huge difference
FROM CROWBAR:
FROM SHARON OSBOURNE:
Dolly Parton was an angel.
She was sent here to bring joy, kindness and light to us all.
Her work is done and she’s gone home. We will always love you, Dolly
FROM BILLY JOEL:
Today we have lost a legend.
Dolly Parton has transcended time and become one of those iconic artists who is known for just being Dolly, beyond a specific song or moment in time. I was one of the lucky ones whose music she covered.
Our family visited Dollywood last year. Our children looked up to her and knew her music. The love for Dolly spanned generations. Her work in acknowledging endometriosis before most people knew what it was, and her philanthropic efforts have been inspirational to our family and our foundation.
We will miss her and her presence on this earth, but we will reap all the rewards of her life dedicated to making it a better place.
Love,
The Joel Family
FROM DOLLYWOOD:
With heavy hearts, the Dollywood family mourns the passing of our beloved Dreamer-in-Chief, Dolly Parton. Everyone at Dollywood shares the sorrow of countless people around the world touched by Dolly’s warmth, wisdom and generous spirit.
Dolly’s heartfelt wish was that Dollywood always remain a place of joy, hope and togetherness—a space where families and friends could honor her memory, not with silence, but with laughter, music and shared dreams.
“The greatest privilege of my life has been helping Dolly bring her dreams to life at Dollywood,” said Eugene Naughton, Dollywood Parks & Resorts President. “Dolly’s heart was as vast as the mountains she cherished, and her compassion knew no bounds. She inspired generations to dream boldly and love deeply. While we grieve her loss, we are honored and committed to carry her light forward. Her legacy will continue to shine in every melody sung, every smile shared and every dream kindled within these gates.”
Dolly’s enduring legacy extends beyond her music and generosity to her remarkable work ethic—an inspiration to people everywhere. In her spirit, Dollywood will be open Wednesday as Dolly wanted, always reminding everyone with her signature sparkle -- “the show must go on.” Together, we honor her by carrying forward her message of love, perseverance, and hope.
FROM CHRIS ISAAK:
I’m
saddened to hear Dolly’s gone. Every time I saw her she seemed so
positive and full of energy. In person she was gracious and gorgeous. I
remember doing a Kenny Rogers special with Dolly. There was a moment
when she and I were backstage. I asked her if she could tell me if a
story I heard was true and she said OK. I said I’d heard that she once
bought Porter Wagoner‘s song catalog when he was on hard times and a few
years later, Porter asked if he could buy his songs back. She said no,
she wouldn’t sell him back his songs but would give him back his songs. I
asked if that was true. She said yes and nothing more. I think she
didn’t like to speak of her good deeds, but being a songwriter, knowing
how much songs mean to a writer, it made me have great respect for her.
God bless her
FROM BILLY BRAGG:
Dolly Parton was a living embodiment of American exceptionalism. Everything about her was exceptional: her songwriting, her voice, her appearance and her sense of self. The response to her passing has only served to underline just how exceptional she was. And in the past 24 hours, as people have reflected on her life and career, her exceptional compassion has shone through too.
If you knew nothing about Dolly, other than she was an 80 year old woman from rural Appalachia who dressed in rhinestone studded costumes, sang country music and was a person of strong faith, you might assume she would be part of the MAGA movement.
Yet at a time when followers of Jesus Christ are talking about “the sin of empathy” and claiming that loving thy neighbour as thyself will lead to the end of western civilisation, Dolly’s faith led her to embrace everyone. When asked to comment on the introduction of anti-trans legislation in Tennessee where she lives, she spoke in support of the transgender community.
“I just see how broken-hearted they get over certain things and I know how real they are. I know how important this is to them” she told the Hollywood Reporter in 2023 “That’s who they are. They cannot help that any more than I can help being Dolly Parton, you know, the way people know me. If there’s something to be judged, that is God’s business. But we are all God’s children and how we are is who we are.”
The fact that Dolly Parton was beloved by Republicans and Democrats alike is a reminder that the compassionate America has not gone away, that it still endures and inspires despite being eclipsed by Trumpism for the past decade. And in many ways, Dolly was the Anti-Trump, self effacing where he is self aggrandising, benevolent where he is transactional, sincere where he is cynical and unifying where his is divisive.
There was no Us and Them with Dolly. Her stock response to questions of politics was to state that she “just wanted everyone to be treated good”.
Her passing is a great loss, but she remains an example to all of us who base our politics on that principle
FROM LOS LOBOS:
“When I got the call that I was going to be recording a song with Dolly, I was truly honored. When she walked into the studio, her presence filled the entire room. She was so kind and warm with everyone around her and went out of her way to make everyone feel welcome.
When we were filming the segment, she could tell l was nervous, so she looked at me and said, “You’re shy and I’m not.” It immediately made me feel more at ease.
She was truly an icon, and she will be dearly missed. I feel incredibly blessed to have had the opportunity to meet her and share that experience with her.”
FROM STEVIE NICKS:
-
I spent a week with Dolly in Nashville to record one of my songs with her for her ‘Rock Star’ album.
A week with Dolly was like a master class for me. I tried to be a sponge ~ and learn everything I could learn from her ~ in a very few days. Learning from her was easy because she was a really good teacher. I think she saw me as a really good student; I just tried to listen.
She said she could become a rock star ~ and I watched her do it. When I was there she was not even close to being finished gathering more rock & roll songs that she wanted to sing.
So,
Rock and Roll & Country ~
Carry all those songs with you ~
Sing your songs to all those you meet
This will be their blessing
Dolly, how we’ll miss you
There’ll never be another you ~
And I will always love you
Love Love Love,
Stevie
FROM RICHIE SAMBORA:
Dolly, Thee Undisputed Queen of country music. My Shero! I am very proud to call her, my friend and musical partner.
She will live on in our hearts forever.
All my love … Richie
FROM FORMER U.S.A. PRESIDENT BILL CLINTON:
Dolly
Parton was one of a kind—a great songwriter and performer who told the
stories of everyday Americans with honesty, humility, and heart. She
rose high from her East Tennessee roots and never forgot where she came
from. And she always believed in giving back, especially in her efforts
to promote literacy. Hillary and I were big fans and first saw her in
1974, and will always be grateful for the music and the memories. Our
thoughts and prayers are with her family, her legion of fans, and
everyone who loved her
Thanks-R.I.P. DOLLY PARTON and thank you.
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