Dolly Parton, the country music icon whose influence stretched far beyond the stage into philanthropy, business and American pop culture, has died at the age of 80.
Her publicist confirmed Tuesday that Parton “died peacefully” in Nashville. While no cause of death was given at first, a later statement said the singer passed away at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, surrounded by loved ones, after “bravely facing a brief battle with cancer.”
A small private memorial service will be held for immediate family members, according to her publicist.
“Dolly Parton: An American Original – A Special Edition of 20/20” airs tonight, Aug. 25 at 10/9c on ABC and will be available to stream the following day on Disney+ and Hulu.
Parton had publicly acknowledged health concerns in recent months, telling fans on Instagram in September 2025 that she was facing “some health challenges” and that doctors had advised her she needed “a few procedures.” She did not disclose specifics. Nearly six months later, during the seasonal opening of Dollywood, she said she was still recovering from “a few little health issues.”
She also spoke openly about the toll of losing her husband, Carl Dean, in March 2025 after nearly six decades of marriage, saying she had been giving herself time to heal “spiritually, emotionally and physically.”
RELATED: Dolly Parton and Carl Dean’s most memorable quotes about their decades-long love story
Copyright © 2026 ABC News Internet Ventures.
