American country music legend Dolly Parton has died, aged 80.
With timeless hits like ‘Jolene’, ‘9 to 5’, and ‘I Will Always Love You’, she became one of the most celebrated artists in history, selling over 100 million records and earning 11 Grammy Awards.
Beyond her musical dominance and Hollywood success, Dolly was equally beloved for her generosity and philanthropic work. Her Imagination Library program has gifted over 150 million books to young children worldwide, and her multi-million-dollar philanthropic efforts supported literacy, disaster relief, and medical research.
It has been reported the music legend died after a brief battle with cancer, and was hospitalised four days before her death.
Dolly had recently acknowledged her ill health in an interview with PEOPLE.
“I am dealing with some health issues that I just didn’t pay attention to when I was watching over Carl,” she said, referring to her husband Carl Thomas Dean, who died in 2025 at age 82.
A voice, a spirit, and a legacy that will never fade: here’s Dolly Parton’s life in photos.
Dolly Parton, in the 1960s.
Dolly and her beloved husband Carl
The lovebirds tied the knot in 1966.
Dolly and Carl were notoriously private, but maintained a happy union.
Dolly often talked about how they made a “perfect pair”.
Dolly said the secret to their marriage was simple.
She once said in an interview on Good Morning Britain that “we like each other, we respect each other, we’ve always had a good time.”
Dolly pictured in 9 TO 5, in 1980.
Starring alongside Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda, 9 To 5 is a story about three women who are fed up with their egotistical boss and take matters into their own hands.
Dolly Parton in 1987
Dolly hosted the show ‘Dolly’ in 1987, a traditional variety show that featured music, comedy skits and various guest stars.
Dolly once told Woman’s Day she didn’t consider herself a ‘global icon’.
“I’m just happy to be me, to still be doing what I love and that people seem to enjoy it,” she said.
Dolly performs on The Pyramid Stage on Day 3 of the Glastonbury Festival in 2014.
“I like to be busy. I like to work as much as I can. But I’m lucky to be able to do what I do,” Dolly told Woman’s Day.
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