Last UpdateAugust 26, 2026, 2:51 AM EDT
DOLLY’S LEGACY
- Dolly Parton was a country music legend known for timeless hits including “Jolene,” “9 to 5” and “I Will Always Love You.”
- Dolly Parton was born Jan. 19, 1946, in Sevier County, Tennessee, and grew up in a large family in the Smoky Mountains.
- Dolly Parton built a career that spanned country music, pop culture, film, television, business and philanthropy.
- Dolly Parton starred in beloved movies including “9 to 5,” “Steel Magnolias” and “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas.”
- Dolly Parton founded the Imagination Library, a literacy program that provided free books to children around the world.
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4 hours ago
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Dolly Parton died after ‘brief battle’ with cancer: reps
Dolly Parton (Getty Images)
Dolly Parton died Tuesday following a “brief battle with cancer,” according to her representatives. She was 80.
“Our beloved Dolly Parton spent her life and career bringing joy, laughter, hope and integrity into everything she touched,” her team said in a statement provided to Fox News Digital.
“Her unmatched generosity reached the lives of countless people whom she would never meet, yet she was always there to offer a helping hand. Whether it be the hundreds of millions of books donated through her invaluable Imagination Library or funding research that helped create a lifesaving vaccine used around the world, Dolly’s unconditional love for all people was the guiding force for her lasting impact.
“After bravely facing a brief battle with cancer, Dolly departed her Earthly life today at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center surrounded by loved ones,” the statement concluded.
Parton died peacefully in Nashville, Tennessee on Tuesday, according to a press release obtained by Fox News Digital.
Posted by Tracy Wright
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Loretta Lynn’s family says ‘Honky Tonk Angels are together again’ after Dolly Parton’s death
Dolly Parton poses with American country music singer-songwriter Loretta Lynn in 1997 at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee. (Ron Davis/Getty Images)
The family of late country music legend Loretta Lynn shared an emotional message Tuesday honoring Dolly Parton following her death.
The family remembered Parton, who died Tuesday at 80, as Lynn’s “mountain sister.”
“Our whole family is devastated to hear of Dolly’s passing,” the statement read. “Dolly was an icon, a legend, a world unto herself. But even more, she was mom’s friend. She was her ‘mountain sister.’”
The family also reflected on the close bond Parton shared with Lynn, who died in 2022.
“They understood each other,” the statement continued. “Our hearts go out to all of Dolly’s family and team. We take comfort in knowing the Honky Tonk Angels are together again and that one day, we will hear them live again.”
“Sending our love, The Lynn Family.”
Posted by Michael Sinkewicz
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Lee Ann Womack imagines Dolly Parton joining ‘angel band’ in touching tribute
Lee Ann Womack and Dolly Parton during a Fan Fair show at the Tennessee State Fairgrounds on June 22, 1998. (USA TODAY Network via Reuters)
Lee Ann Womack mourned Dolly Parton on Tuesday following the country music icon’s death.
Parton died Tuesday following a brief battle with cancer, her representatives said.
Womack, whose own career has spanned decades in country music, honored Parton with a brief, poignant message.
“Can you imagine how beautiful the angel band sounds today?” Womack wrote.
Posted by Michael Sinkewicz
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Kristin Chenoweth remembers how Dolly Parton made her feel ‘like one of her own’
Dolly Parton and Kristin Chenoweth attend the 22nd Annual GLAAD Media Awards at Los Angeles’ Westin Bonaventure on April 10, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. (Jeff Vespa/WireImage)
Actress and singer Kristin Chenoweth said she was “heartbroken” by the death of Dolly Parton, remembering how the country music icon always made her feel welcome.
Parton died Tuesday, her nephew confirmed. She was 80.
“Like the rest of the world, I’m immediately heartbroken,” Chenoweth posted on X.
“I met Dolly on several occasions and she always made me feel like one of her own,” she continued. “She even agreed to sing with me on one of my records. My ultimate inspiration.”
Chenoweth also paid homage to Parton’s classic “I Will Always Love You” while reflecting on her legacy.
“The world has lost one of the best but I know we will never forget her because she is impossible to forget,” Chenoweth said. “I love you Dolly and I will ALWAYS love you.”
Posted by Michael Sinkewicz
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Vince Gill recalls ‘one of the most beautiful sounds’ he ever heard singing with Dolly Parton
Country singer Vince Gill reflected on his memorable 1995 CMA Awards performance with Dolly Parton while paying tribute to the late music icon. (George Walker IV-USA TODAY NETWORK)
Country singer Vince Gill fondly remembered Dolly Parton on Tuesday, recalling their performance of her iconic song “I Will Always Love You” as producing one of the most beautiful sounds he had ever heard.
Gill mourned Parton, who died Tuesday at 80 following a brief battle with cancer, her representatives said.
“We are all crushed here at our house,” Gill said in a statement.
He then reflected on performing Parton’s classic “I Will Always Love You” with her at the Country Music Association Awards in 1995.
“One of the most beautiful sounds I’ve ever heard was when Dolly and I sang that last note of ‘I Will Always Love You’ the year we performed it on the CMA Awards,” Gill said.
Posted by Michael Sinkewicz
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Beyoncé remembers Dolly Parton as ‘bold and brilliant’ in emotional tribute
Beyoncé said she was “honored” to have had the opportunity to work with Dolly Parton, whom she remembered as “The North Star” and “truly one of one.” (Robyn Beckvalerie Macon/AFP via Getty Images)
Beyoncé paid tribute to Dolly Parton on Tuesday, remembering the country music icon as “bold and brilliant.”
Parton, who collaborated with Beyoncé on her 2024 album “Cowboy Carter,” died Tuesday at 80.
In a personal letter to Parton, Beyoncé expressed gratitude for the lessons the country legend passed along.
“You were the barometer. The North Star. Bold and brilliant. Talented and tenacious,” she wrote.
“You taught so many lessons on how to be uniquely oneself,” Beyoncé continued. “I am grateful for your art, your heart, your generosity, your humor, your entrepreneurship. I’m honored that I had the privilege to work with you.”
Beyoncé said she would treasure their collaboration forever and thanked Parton for her “profound impact on the world.”
“You are an angel who has made this world a happier place because of your joyful art,” she wrote. “You are truly one of one.”
“Rest peacefully.”
Posted by Michael Sinkewicz
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Paul McCartney reveals ‘no greater honour’ than having Dolly Parton sing Beatles classic
Paul McCartney, left, and his family chat with Dolly Parton, second from right, and Porter Wagoner backstage during the third annual Grand Masters Fiddling contest at Opryland on June 16, 1974. (USA TODAY Network via Reuters)
Paul McCartney reacted Tuesday to the death of country music star Dolly Parton, remembering her as a “wonderful woman” whose musical talent and generosity were “unrivaled.”
McCartney recalled first meeting Parton, who died Tuesday at 80, at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, where she was performing with country star Porter Wagoner as her solo career was beginning.
“She was so bubbly and full of life it is difficult to take in the news that she has passed,” McCartney said.
“Her songwriting, her singing and her philanthropy were unrivaled in the world of country music and it is hard to imagine living in a world without Dolly,” he continued. “She was a very clever businesswoman who understood the value of her music and, most importantly, the effect that she had on the people of the world.”
The Beatles star also said it was an honor to have Parton sing his hit song “Let It Be.”
“There was no greater honour for me than to have her sing my song ‘Let It Be’ and, even though I only made a small contribution to it, I am so honoured that she did it,” McCartney said. “I am so proud to have known her and admire her unique talents.”
“Thanks Dolly for the beautiful music you gave me and the whole world,” he added. “We will always love you, god bless and rest in peace. You were the best.”
Posted by Michael Sinkewicz
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Priscilla Presley reveals Elvis sang Dolly Parton classic after their divorce
Priscilla Presley said Elvis Presley sang “I Will Always Love You” to her as they walked away from the courthouse following their divorce. (Getty Images)
Priscilla Presley paid tribute to Dolly Parton in an emotional video statement, remembering the country music icon as a kind and compassionate friend who shared a special connection with her through “I Will Always Love You.”
Presley posted the tribute on Facebook with Parton’s classic song playing in the background, explaining that it holds a deeply personal meaning for her.
“I am so saddened to hear of the passing of the incomparable Dolly Parton,” Presley began.
“Dolly brought so much joy, kindness and beautiful music into this world,” she continued. “I will always remember our conversations, and especially the connection we shared through a song that holds such a personal place in my heart – I Will Always Love You.”
Presley then revealed the song’s connection to her divorce from rock legend Elvis Presley.
“After Elvis and I left the courthouse following our divorce, he sang that song to me as we walked down the steps together,” she said. “Years later, I shared that memory with Dolly.”
Parton died Tuesday at 80 following a brief battle with cancer, her representatives said.
“Her music touched all of us, but it was Dolly’s warmth, humor and enormous heart that made her truly one of a kind,” Presley continued.
“My thoughts and prayers are with her family and everyone who loved her,” she added. “Rest in peace, Dolly. You will always be loved and never forgotten.”
Posted by Michael Sinkewicz
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Chris Janson says Dolly Parton’s death ‘stopped me in my tracks’
Dolly Parton and Chris Janson at the pre-taping for the Dolly Parton Smoky Mountains Rise: A Benefit for the My People Fund in 2016. (George Walker IV/The Tennessean via USA TODAY NETWORK)
Chris Janson joined the growing list of musicians paying tribute Tuesday to country music icon Dolly Parton, who died at 80.
In a statement posted on Facebook, Janson fondly remembered Parton.
“Rest in Heaven, my wonderful friend, duet partner, and mentor,” Janson wrote.
“Dolly was a wonderful person, and it stopped me in my tracks hearing of her passing,” he continued. “TRUE ICON, TRUE STAR, and REAL GREAT HUMAN.”
Janson also expressed gratitude for the time he and his family spent with Parton.
“We’ll always love you, Dolly,” he wrote. “My family is grateful the time we got to spend alongside of you. Love, CJ.”
Posted by Michael Sinkewicz
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Kelly Clarkson mourns Dolly Parton: ‘I will miss her heart and her voice’
Dolly Parton and Kelly Clarkson at the Academy of Country Music Awards held at Allegiant Stadium on March 7, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Christopher Polk/Variety via Getty Images)
Kelly Clarkson mourned Dolly Parton on Tuesday, remembering the country music icon as an “incredible gift and talent.”
“Dolly Parton had a way of making everyone feel special, and seen, and welcomed, and as if you were old friends,” Clarkson posted on X.
“I will miss her heart and her voice as I am sure millions will,” she continued.
Clarkson also praised Parton’s extensive catalog, which includes timeless hits such as “Jolene,” “9 to 5” and “I Will Always Love You.”
“What an incredible gift and talent she was and still is with an amazing catalogue of art she has left behind for all of us,” Clarkson wrote.
Posted by Michael Sinkewicz
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Bill Anderson reveals Dolly Parton’s final words to him: ‘I Will Always Love You’
Dolly Parton and Bill Anderson perform during the Grand Ole Opry 85th birthday bash at the Grand Ole Opry House on October 9, 2010 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Tony R. Phipps/Getty Images)
Country singer Bill Anderson remembered his longtime friend Dolly Parton on Tuesday, recalling the last words she said to him.
“The last thing Dolly said to me was, ‘Bill Anderson – I Will Always Love You,’” Anderson said in a statement.
Anderson said the moment came just weeks ago during his 65th anniversary celebration at the Grand Ole Opry.
“She was looking me in the eye from the giant video screen in the Grand Ole Opry House on the occasion of my 65th Opry Anniversary a few weeks ago,” he said.
“She was smiling as only Dolly could, making my night even more special than it already was,” Anderson continued.
Parton’s death was confirmed Tuesday by her nephew. She was 80.
“The news of her passing has rocked my world, but as we sang together back in 2023, ‘Someday It’ll All Make Sense,’” Anderson said.
Posted by Michael Sinkewicz
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Kacey Musgraves mourns Dolly Parton: ‘The world feels a lot less sparkly’
Dolly Parton and Kacey Musgraves perfom onstage during the 61st Annual Grammy Awards at Staples Center on February 10, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Kevin Winter/Getty Images for The Recording Academy)
Singer-songwriter Kacey Musgraves paid an emotional tribute Tuesday to Dolly Parton, who died following a brief battle with cancer, according to her representatives.
“This really really hurts,” Musgraves posted on X.
In a separate post, she added, “The world feels a lot less sparkly all of a sudden.”
Musgraves also suggested Parton was now reunited with her late husband, Carl Dean, who died in 2025.
“So glad she’s with her Carl Dean,” Musgraves wrote. “No one talk to me today.”
Posted by Michael Sinkewicz
10 mins ago
Grand Ole Opry remembers Dolly Parton, dedicates Saturday show to her legacy
Dolly Parton made her Grand Ole Opry debut at age 13 in 1959, beginning a decades-long relationship with the iconic Nashville venue. (CBS via Getty Images)
The Grand Ole Opry, the iconic Nashville venue where Dolly Parton made her debut at age 13 in 1959, paid tribute to the country music legendTuesday following her death.
“There is no doubt Dolly’s mark on the world, and on us here at the Grand Ole Opry, will be deeply felt for generations to come,” the Grand Ole Opry said in a statement.
“She taught us to always lead with kindness, generosity, and compassion,” the statement continued. “May her legacy live on through her songs, the lives she touched, and the countless artists she inspired. There will never, ever be another one like her.”
The Grand Ole Opry also announced that Saturday’s show will be dedicated to Parton’s legacy and contributions to country music.
Among the artists scheduled to perform is Carly Pearce, who began her career at Dollywood and whom Parton surprised with an invitation to become an official Opry member in 2021.
The show will be broadcast on the Opry’s flagship station, WSM-AM, as well as online and on SiriusXM channel 58.
The Opry also began Tuesday’s show with Rhonda Vincent declaring, “This is for Dolly,” before performing Parton’s “Coat of Many Colors.”
Vincent also performed Parton’s classics “9 to 5” and “Jolene,” while Morgan Myles paid tribute with a performance of the 1973 hit “I Will Always Love You.”
Posted by Michael Sinkewicz
29 mins ago
Country Music Hall of Fame honors Dolly Parton’s legacy: ‘Not celebrity, but humanity’
The Country Music Hall of Fame honored one of its most legendary members, Dolly Parton, following the country music icon’s death Tuesday at 80.
The beloved singer, known for timeless hits including “Jolene,” “9 to 5” and “I Will Always Love You,” died following a “brief battle with cancer,” according to her representatives.
“Dolly Parton’s legacy is not celebrity, but humanity,” Country Music Hall of Fame CEO Kyle Young said in a statement.
“She came from poverty to become the most important native of Tennessee,” Young continued. “She shared her fortunes for the good of all of us, and shared her soul in every note she sang.”
Posted by Michael Sinkewicz
46 mins ago
Kathie Lee Gifford remembers Dolly Parton’s quiet friendship: ‘You don’t forget people like that’
Kathie Lee Gifford on Tuesday remembered Dolly Parton as a friend who quietly showed up for others during difficult times.
Gifford recalled that Parton was among a small group of prominent friends who reached out during challenging periods in her career and later became a major source of encouragement for her songwriting.
“She just encouraged me like crazy,” Gifford said on “The Ingraham Angle.” “You don’t forget people like that, Laura, you don’t.”
Gifford said Parton encouraged her to continue writing songs, adding that the country music legend told her, “You’re an incredible writer. You don’t stop writing, honey.”
Gifford also became emotional while mourning Parton, who died Tuesday at 80.
“I haven’t been able to stop crying today,” she said.
“This woman meant a great deal to me, Laura, a great deal,” she added.
Posted by Michael Sinkewicz
1 hour ago
Biden remembers Dolly Parton as ‘trailblazer in every sense of the word’
Former President Joe Biden praised Dolly Parton as a “trailblazer in every sense of the word” while mourning her death. (Getty Images)
Former President Joe Biden mourned Dolly Parton on Tuesday evening, remembering the country music legend as an “American original” and an “inspiration to millions.”
“Simply put, Dolly Parton was an American original,” Biden said in a statement.
“She was an inspiration to millions,” he continued. “She was a relentless advocate for women and for equality. Through her Imagination Library, she placed the gift of reading into the hands of millions of children because she understood literacy is the foundation of opportunity.”
“But perhaps most importantly, Dolly treated everyone with kindness and respect,” Biden said. “She lived her values with a flair and vitality for life that was uniquely her own. She was a trailblazer in every sense of the word, and she will be missed by millions around the world.”
Biden added that he and his wife, Jill, were keeping Parton’s family, friends and fans in their prayers.
“God bless Dolly Parton,” Biden concluded.
Posted by Michael Sinkewicz
1 hour ago
Dolly Parton refused to pick political sides for decades: ‘I’m not in politics, I’m an entertainer’
Parton wowed the crowd when performing at Glastonbury in 2014. (Jim Dyson/Getty Images)
Dolly Parton spent decades singing about love, heartbreak, faith and working “9 to 5,” but there was one arena the country music legend repeatedly resisted entering: partisan politics.
“I am not political, and I refuse to get caught up in political things,” Parton told USA Today in a 2020 interview.
“I don’t like to get involved in politics, because first of all, I have as many Republican fans as I do Democrats,” Parton said. “I don’t want to offend anybody, I have a right to myself.”
“Like God gave us free will, America gave us free speech, but you’ve got to be responsible for anything you say and do,” she added.
Two years earlier, Parton was repeatedly pressed about Trump during an interview with ABC’s David Wright, according to the Knoxville News Sentinel.
“I have a lot of fans out there, and I don’t want to offend anybody,” Parton said.
When Wright attempted to draw a parallel between Trump and the sexually abusive boss in Parton’s 1980 film “9 to 5,” she refused to bite.
“I’m not addressing that,” Parton said. “I learned a long time ago, keep your damn mouth shut if you want to stay in show business. … I’m not in politics, I’m an entertainer.”
When Wright pointed out that Parton was also a role model, she responded: “Yes I am. That’s why I don’t talk about people.”
This is an excerpt by Fox News Digital’s Jasmine Baehr. Click here to read the full story.
Posted by Michael Sinkewicz
1 hour ago
Santa Monica Pier’s iconic Ferris wheel to glow pink in tribute to Dolly Parton
The Santa Monica Pier’s 90-foot-tall Pacific Wheel will illuminate with pink hearts, stars and a sweeping pink spiral in tribute to country music legend Dolly Parton. (Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier)
Dolly Parton‘s signature pink will light up the Southern California coastline Tuesday night as the Santa Monica Pier’s iconic Ferris wheel pays tribute to the late country music legend.
The tribute comes as landmarks and fans across the country remember Parton, including the Empire State Building in New York City, while mourners gather at sites tied to her life and career in Tennessee and Hollywood.
The 90-foot-tall Pacific Wheel will illuminate with pink hearts, pink stars and a sweeping pink spiral covering the entire Ferris wheel.
Parton died Tuesday at age 80 following a “brief battle with cancer,” her representatives said.
Posted by Michael Sinkewicz
