Her nephew confirmed her passing in an Instagram video on August 25. The announcement came only four days after the singer had publicly discussed her health, emphasizing that despite her recent difficulties, she still had many plans for the future.
The “Jolene” singer had reportedly been experiencing health issues for some time. In September 2025, she postponed a scheduled Las Vegas residency after doctors advised her that she needed to undergo several medical procedures. Months later, in May 2026, she canceled the performances entirely, while reassuring fans that treatment was going well and that her condition was improving.
Only days before her death, Parton explained that she had put some of her own health concerns aside while caring for her longtime husband, Carl Dean, before his death in March 2025.
Dolly Parton | Source: Getty Images
“My name is Brin Seaver, son of Cassie Parton, and I’m representing the Parton and Owens family today announcing the passing of my aunt, Dolly Rebecca Parton Dean, Sister, Sis and Granny to one generation and Gigi to the next,” her nephew says in the video.
Seaver explained that Parton had asked him years earlier to make the announcement when the time eventually came. Having served as her head of security for more than two decades—a position previously held by his father, Larry—he said he had long imagined how difficult the moment would be, but had never fully understood its emotional weight until it arrived.
He described making the announcement as both an honor and a source of immense sadness and pride. He added that the grief belonged to those left behind, saying that Dolly had “lived in the light” and was now in the arms of Jesus, reunited with Carl, her parents, and others who had gone before her.
Even while facing health challenges, Parton remained determined to continue creating. She had said there were still “so many things I want to achieve” and expressed her intention to keep working for as long as she was able.
From a humble Tennessee childhood to country music royalty
Born in Tennessee in 1946, Parton was raised as one of 12 children in a family with limited financial means. Music became part of her world almost immediately. She sang in her grandfather’s church, learned to play guitar while still young, and began writing songs at only seven years old.
After finishing high school, Parton moved to Nashville in 1964 to pursue a professional music career. Her major breakthrough came when Porter Wagoner invited her to join The Porter Wagoner Show, giving her exposure to a much broader country music audience.
By the beginning of the 1970s, Parton was establishing herself as a major solo performer. “Joshua” became her first No. 1 country single, followed by enduring songs such as “Coat of Many Colors” and “Jolene.”
When Parton decided to leave Wagoner’s program in 1974, she transformed the emotional professional farewell into one of the defining songs of her career: “I Will Always Love You.”
Years later, Whitney Houston’s rendition for The Bodyguard turned the song into an international phenomenon.
Her career reached far beyond country music
Parton eventually expanded her career into Hollywood. She made her movie debut alongside Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin in the 1980 comedy 9 to 5. The movie’s title track subsequently became Parton’s first No. 1 single on the Billboard Hot 100.
She later appeared in films including The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, Rhinestone, Steel Magnolias, and Joyful Noise.
Across her decades-long career, Parton collected numerous major honors. She won 11 Grammy Awards, an Emmy, 10 CMA Awards, seven Academy of Country Music Awards, and three American Music Awards. She also earned two Academy Award nominations and was inducted into both the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Her legacy extended well beyond music and acting. Parton became widely recognized for her charitable work, especially the Imagination Library, which provides free books to young children. She also became closely identified with Dollywood, the Tennessee theme park that carries her name.
Dolly Parton during a performance | Source: Getty Images
Nearly six decades with Carl Dean
Parton married Carl Thomas Dean in May 1966. Although Dean largely stayed away from the spotlight, their marriage lasted almost six decades. Parton frequently joked that spending time apart was one of the secrets to their lasting relationship, while also describing Dean as one of her most important supporters behind the scenes.
Dean died on March 3, 2025. Parton later honored him with the song “If You Hadn’t Been There” and spoke openly about the depth of losing the man with whom she had shared most of her adult life.
His death occurred during a period when Parton was also dealing with her own health challenges.
