Country music icon Dolly Parton has died at the age of 80 after being admitted to Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville.
Her publicity team confirmed her passing on social media on Tuesday, announcing that a small, private service will be held for immediate family at Parton's request. In lieu of flowers, her family asked fans to make donations to Dolly Parton's Imagination Library at imaginationlibrary.com, or leave tributes on social media and at dollyparton.com.
Parton's nephew, Bryan Seaver, who served as her head of security for more than two decades, announced her passing on Tuesday afternoon in an emotional video clip. Seaver explained that his late aunt had asked him several years ago to prepare the video announcement, a security role previously held by his father, Larry.
Speaking on behalf of the Parton and Owens family, Seaver paid tribute to the aunt he described as "Sister, sis, Aunt, Granny to one generation and Gigi to the next." He stated: "This video announcement is something Dolly asked of me years ago before I fully absorbed it as a future reality. 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 added: "It is an honor that is mixed with absolute pride and great sadness. But sadness lies with us, not with Dolly." He hailed his aunt for having "lived in the light" and said she was now "in the arms of Jesus" alongside her late husband Carl Dean, her parents, and "countless others who have watched her and longed to meet her in the heavens."
Fan Tributes and Hospitalization Details
Following news of her death, mourning fans gathered at Parton's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles, California, leaving flowers, candles, and pictures to honor the legendary singer.
According to TMZ, Parton passed away early Tuesday morning after being admitted to Nashville's Vanderbilt University Medical Center on Friday with autoimmune and kidney problems.
Just four days before her death, Parton told People magazine that she was "dealing with some health issues that I just didn't pay attention to when I was watching over Carl." Her late husband, Carl Thomas Dean, died in March 2025 at the age of 82 following a private battle with Alzheimer's disease and other health complications. The pair were married for 59 years, and Dean largely stayed out of the spotlight throughout their relationship.
Residency Postponement and Health Timeline
Parton had previously raised fan concerns at the end of September when she announced that unspecified "health challenges" forced her to postpone her Las Vegas residency. Originally scheduled from December 4 to December 13 at the Colosseum Theater at Caesars Palace, the residency was pushed to September 2026.
She shared the news directly with fans on Instagram, writing: "I want the fans and public to hear directly from me that, unfortunately, I will need to postpone my upcoming Las Vegas concerts. As many of you know, I have been dealing with some health challenges, and my doctors tell me that I must have a few procedures."
Frightened speculation mounted in October 2025 when her sister Freida asked the public for prayers. "Last night, I was up all night praying for my sister, Dolly," Freida wrote on Facebook on October 7, 2025. "Many of you know she hasn't been feeling her best lately. I truly believe in the power of prayer, and I have been led to ask all of the world that loves her to be prayer warriors and pray with me."
As panic grew, Freida backpedaled, assuring the public her sister had "been a little under the weather" and that she never intended to "make it sound so serious," issuing the request out of a belief in "the power of prayer." Parton then posted a video of herself in hair, makeup, and costume at an ad shoot for the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. "Do I look sick to you?" she chirpily asked, adding, "I appreciate your prayers, because I'm a person of faith, I can always use the prayers for anything and everything, but I want you to know that I'm okay!"
Tributes From Leaders and Performers
Soon after the news broke, tributes poured in for the songstress, including one from President Donald Trump. "Very sad to report that Dolly Parton, one of the greatest Country singers, and far beyond, EVER, has just passed away. This is a true loss for millions of people," Trump wrote. He announced that he ordered flags to fly at half-staff in her honor: "There has never been anyone like her, and never will. In her honor, I am lowering the American flag throughout the United States for a one week period beginning tonight at 6:00PM. Rest in Peace, Dolly! The World loves you. President DONALD J. TRUMP"
Kelly Osbourne shared a post alongside a photo of herself, Parton, and her son, writing: "Dolly, thank you for paving the way. Not only for women in music, but for women everywhere to be unapologetically themselves. You showed us that we could be ambitious and kind, strong and soft, fearless and authentic."
Actress Sarah Jessica Parker also shared a tribute despite never meeting her. "I never met @dollyparton but my gosh, did I love her. I don't think any of us had to know her to love her. One of the greatest this country ever produced. Legend. For real. Forever. And always advocating for those she knew and understood needed a champion. What a loss. But aren't we so lucky, so fortunate for the endless gifts she shared," Parker posted.
Early Life in East Tennessee
Born in Pittman Center, Tennessee, on January 19, 1946, Parton was the fourth of 12 children. She and her siblings, Willadeene, David Wilburn, Coy Denver, Bobby Lee, Stella Mae, Cassie Nan, Randle Huston "Randy," Larry Gerald, twins Floyd and Freida Estelle, and Rachel Ann, were raised in the Great Smoky Mountains, sleeping on beds made of straw with no running water, gas, or electricity.
After developing a love of music at an early age, Parton sang frequently on local radio and made television appearances in East Tennessee as a child. She released her first single, "Puppy Love," at the age of 13 before enjoying an illustrious music career that spanned six decades, becoming famous for iconic hits including "Jolene," "9 to 5," and "I Will Always Love You."
