NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WZTV) — The queen of country music and frankly, the state of Tennessee, Dolly Parton, has died at 80 years old, her family announced Tuesday.
Parton was known to the world as a talented singer, songwriter, philanthropist, actress, playwright and author. In a statement from her publicist, Parton died peacefully Tuesday in Nashville, Tennessee.
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Bryan Seaver, Dolly’s nephew, released a video announcement Tuesday, saying he was asked to make the announcement by Parton years ago.
“As her head of security for more than two decades, a role my father Larry held before me, I have imagined the heaviness of this moment, but haven’t truly felt it until now,” Seaver said. “It is an honor, an honor that is mixed with absolute pride and great sadness. But sadness lies with us, not with Dolly.”
Parton has been open about ongoing health challenges that have prevented her from leaving her doctors in Nashville. Just one week ago, Parton was unable to attend the NightFlight Expedition event at Dollywood.
Parton’s last public appearance was at her new Tennessean Travel Stop in Cornersville, Tennessee.
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Condolences are pouring in for Parton Tuesday. President Donald Trump posted his condolences on TruthSocial, saying Parton was “one of the greatest country singers,” adding “this is a true loss for millions of people.”
Governor Bill Lee shared photos with Parton, saying she was “one of a kind.”
“Rare is the one who climbs to the pinnacle of fame, then scoffs at its allure, only to retain the genuine humility that defines them,” Gov. Lee wrote on X. “Dolly Parton was one of a kind, who loved people, her work, her family, and her Lord. Tennessee has forever been changed – enhanced – by her, and will never be quite the same without Dolly.”
The Country Music Hall of Fame released a statement, saying in part, “Dolly Parton’s legacy is not celebrity, but humanity.” The museum added that no one will ever match Parton, but anyone using her as a role model is on the right track.
“Dolly Parton’s legacy is not celebrity, but humanity,” said Kyle Young, CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. “She was a champion of equality and literacy. She was a picture of dignity, even when dressed outrageously. Anyone who seeks to be more like Dolly is on the right track, but they’ll never get to the finish line. She came from poverty to become the most important native of Tennessee. She shared her fortunes for the good of all of us, and shared her soul in every note she sang.”
The Nashville Songwriters Association International issued the following statement:
“The Nashville songwriting family joins the world today in mourning the loss of our precious Dolly Parton. There is no greater ambassador for the art of songwriting, Music Row and the state of Tennessee than Dolly. No one is more admired, revered and respected.It cannot be overstated how difficult the obstacles were for a young woman in the 1950s and ’60s to carve a path in the music business, much less become a ‘one-word’ household name. She will forever be spoken of as a Mount Rushmore-level icon in our industry.On behalf of the Nashville Songwriters Association International, thank you, Dolly, for the songs, the class, the heart and the eternal impression you have left on country music. We miss you already.”
Nashville-based singer-songwriter Kacey Musgraves shared her grief on X. She said she’s happy Parton is with Carl Thomas Dean, her husband of 59 years who passed away in March 2025, but that “the world feels a lot less sparkly all of a sudden.”
“Nobody on Broadway would be doing what they’re doing if it weren’t for the likes of her,” Robert’s Western World co-owner Emily Ann Jones said in an exclusive interview with FOX 17 News.
Close friend of Parton and Grand Old Opry Member Bill Anderson said Parton’s last words to him was “Bill Anderson – I Will Always Love You” at his 65th Opry anniversary a couple weeks ago. See his full statement below:
“”The last thing Dolly said to me was, ‘Bill Anderson – I Will Always Love You.’ 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. She was Smiling as only Dolly could, making my night even more special than it already was. The news of her passing has rocked my world, but as we sang together back in 2023, “Someday It’ll All Make Sense.””
The Tennessee House Democratic Caucus released the following statement:
“The Tennessee House Democratic Caucus mourns the shocking loss of Dolly Parton today. Dolly was literally an icon, not only for her unforgettable voice and talent as an entertainer, but most importantly for her countless philanthropic efforts and her enormous heart. She will always be remembered for her classic songs like “I Will Always Love You”, “Jolene”, “9 to 5”, and “Coat of Many Colors” and for the lasting legacy of Dollywood and its economic impact in East Tennessee. But even more significant was her commitment to improving society: She created the Imagination Library which has distributed more than 270 million books to babies and young children through the country. The Dollywood Foundation was founded by her to primarily focus on educating children near her Sevier County birthplace. She spoke out for women’s rights, racial justice, and equality. It was her love of people that, in turn, made her universally loved. House Democratic Caucus Chairman John Ray Clemmons said, “Dolly personified the true spirit and character of Tennessee. She was as inspiring as she was loving and giving. Every Tennessean has long felt a sense of pride that she was one of us. Her unprecedented work ethic created a career. Her larger-than-life personality created a brand. Her incredible talent gave her a voice. And she courageously and generously used it all for the benefit of others. How blessed we all were to live in the time of Dolly.”
Sen. Marsha Blackburn said her and her husband are “absolutely heartbroken” by the news of Parton’s passing, adding her love for Tennessee “touched hearts around the world.”
“Chuck and I are absolutely heartbroken and saddened to hear of the passing of our friend, Dolly Parton. Dolly’s life and career are forever woven into Tennessee’s music, culture, and history. Her extraordinary talent, generosity, and love for the Volunteer State touched hearts around the world and will continue to inspire generations to come. Tennessee will forever be grateful for Dolly. Our prayers are with her family and the millions around the globe mourning this tremendous loss.”
Parton is preceded in death by her husband, Carl Thomas Dean, her mother and father. Parton was born in Pittman Center, a rural mountain town in East Tennessee near where she opened her amusement park Dollywood.
Dollywood released the following statement on Parton’s passing:
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.Those wishing to give in honor of Dolly may consider making a gift to the organization she was so deeply passionate about, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.
Parton’s newly built Songteller Hotel in Nashville, which is set to open this year, also released a statement in the wake of her passing:
“We are heartbroken by the loss of Dolly Parton—our namesake, our inspiration, and a beloved part of the SongTeller Hotel family.This hotel was built to honor Dolly’s life, her stories, and her unmistakable spirit. From the spaces inspired by her songs to the warmth our team shares with every guest, her legacy lives in every corner of this place.Dolly believed in treating people with love, hospitality, and joy—and we are committed to continuing that legacy in everything we do.On behalf of our entire team, we send our deepest condolences to Dolly’s family and to everyone who loved her.”
At Parton’s request, a small, private service will be held for her immediate family. Fans may pay tribute on social media by tagging @DollyParton or by leaving a message here. Instead of flowers, Parton’s family askes for donations to be made to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library here.
As condolences pour in, FOX 17 News will continue to update this story. If you want to share a memory with Dolly or your condolences, please send photos to fox17.com/chimein and news@fox17.com.