Dolly Parton dies aged 80
The country icon recorded the star-studded 'Rockstar' album in 2023
Last updated 7 hours ago
Country legend Dolly Parton, who branched into rock music in 2023 with the star-studded album 'Rockstar', has sadly died aged 80.
Dolly's nephew Bryan Seaver made the announcement on behalf of the Parton family in an Instagram video today.
Her family said: "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."
The fourth of 12 children born to Avie Lee Caroline and Robert Lee Parton Sr, Dolly Rebecca Parton was born on 19th January 1946 in a one-room cabin on the banks of the Little Pigeon River in Pittman Center, Tennessee.
One of the best-selling artists of all time, Dolly sold more than 100 million records throughout career and she scored international hits with 'Jolene', 'Coat of Many Colors' and '9 to 5' to name but a few.
The Queen of Country also enjoyed a successful acting career starring in films including 9 to 5, Steel Magnolias and Rhinestone, and she was a keen philanthropist donating millions to worthy causes.
Dolly's husband of 59 years, Carl Dean, died in March 2025.
In February 2022 Dolly Parton was nominated for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and she told Billboard at the time: “I’m not expecting that I’ll get in. But if I do, I’ll immediately, next year, have to put out a great rock and roll album — which I’ve wanted to do for years.”
A few weeks later, Parton announced she was “bowing out” of the shortlist as she did not “feel that I have earned (the) right” to be included on the Rock Hall’s list.
However, Parton later made a U-turn, and she was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in November 2022 where she sang 'Jolene' with Judas Priest's Rob Halford and other fellow inductees.
True to her word, Dolly Parton pressed on with making her rock album ‘Rockstar’, and it was released in November 2023 and featured Richie Sambora, Heart’s Ann Wilson, Judas Priest’s Rob Halford, Motley Crue’s Nikki Sixx and John 5, Journey icon Steve Perry, Creedence Clearwater Revival’s John Fogerty, Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler, Blondie’s Debbie Harry, P!nk, Pat Benatar, Chris Stapleton, Miley Cyrus, Joan Jett & The Blackhearts and Sting to name but a few.
RIP the great Dolly Parton.