Tributes For Dolly Parton, Beloved Singer-Songwriter-Actress-Philanthropist, Dead at 80

We will always love you, Dolly.

Tributes have begun to pour in about the death of Dolly Parton, the beloved singer-songwriter-actress-philanthropist. News of her passing at age 80 on August 25, 2026, arrived at approximately 2 p.m. ET, with the official announcement on her social media pages. Her nephew, Bryan Seaver, delivered a video message that his aunt had asked him to do years ago “before I fully absorbed it as a future reality. I have imagined the heaviness of this moment but truly haven’t felt it until now.”

Watch the entire clip

Parton, born January 19, 1946, released over 200 singles during her extraordinary career. 1970’s “Joshua” was her first to reach #1 on the Country chart. Among the other songs she wrote are such classics as “I Will Always Love You,” “Coat of Many Colors,” “Jolene,” “Here You Come Again,” “9 To 5” and “Tennessee Homesick Blues.” She holds the record for the most #1 Country singles by a female artist with 25.

Global icon and humanitarian, Dolly Parton, known to the world as a beloved singer, songwriter, philanthropist, actress, playwright, and author died peacefully today in Nashville, Tennessee. She was 80 years old.

Dolly is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 59 years… pic.twitter.com/sBdu2Ssof9

— Dolly Parton (@DollyParton) August 25, 2026

Best Classic Bands has begun collecting tributes for her and will continue to update this post.

“Dolly Parton’s legacy is not celebrity, but humanity. 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.” –Kyle Young, CEO pic.twitter.com/naJAF3ov0N

— Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum (@countrymusichof) August 25, 2026

It is with the heaviest of hearts that we say goodbye to a true country music icon, Opry member Dolly Parton.

There is no doubt Dolly’s mark on the world, and on us here at the Grand Ole Opry, will be deeply felt for generations to come. She taught us to always lead with… pic.twitter.com/t9yBCdMIsb

— Grand Ole Opry (@opry) August 25, 2026

From Carole King: “My heart is breaking. In addition to her musical talents, she was an exemplary human being. R.I.P. Dolly Parton.”

Few stars could light up a screen, tell a story through a song, or find their way into our hearts quite like Dolly Parton.

Dolly brought something entirely her own to everything she did. She was radiant on screen and in song; she could put a lifetime of feeling into just a few… pic.twitter.com/FFAqbj53aj

— The Academy (@TheAcademy) August 25, 2026

❤️ pic.twitter.com/oU9XLQ6YG2

— Debbie Harry/BLONDIE (@BlondieOfficial) August 25, 2026

What a sad day for America what a sad day for the world what a sad day for the pardon family. Dolly! We will miss you in more ways than one can say you were a treasure on this earth.

— Henry Winkler (@hwinkler4real) August 25, 2026

From Herb Alpert: “We All Loved Dolly Parton.”

Dolly. 💔 This really really hurts.

— K A C E Y (@KaceyMusgraves) August 25, 2026

From the official social media account of The Muppets: “There will never be another quite like Dolly Parton. She was the ultimate singer, songwriter, actress, performer, and philanthropist. She filled the world with light and we are so grateful for every second we got to spend with her onstage and off.”

Dolly Parton was a good woman and one of the greatest artists of true country soul. God bless her pic.twitter.com/5V1RYFnqX5

— Yusuf / Cat Stevens (@YusufCatStevens) August 25, 2026

From The Go-Go’s: “We are devastated to hear the passing of the legend Dolly Parton. She was a gifted and talented icon who championed human welfare, health, and happiness. A singer-songwriter, musician & producer…. There was nothing that she could not do. What a life and legacy. It’s a very sad day indeed. We will always love you, Dolly.”

The news of Dolly Parton’s passing is devastating. I had the extraordinary experience of working with her on The Orville, and it was a joy to discover that she really was exactly the person we all hoped she was. Her kindness, generosity, and authenticity were evident from moment… pic.twitter.com/xVf2ZokZLO

— Seth MacFarlane (@SethMacFarlane) August 25, 2026

This ad appeared in the March 16, 1974 issue of Record World.

One of twelve children raised in a cabin, Dolly Parton left home carrying nothing but songs to become the most beloved figure in American music. She wrote "I Will Always Love You" as a goodbye to Porter Wagoner. Today it belongs to all of us. pic.twitter.com/Y4XnLufJCL

— Ken Burns (@KenBurns) August 25, 2026

I always loved it – rest in peace Dolly Parton – I Will Always Love You (Official Audio) https://t.co/v5311vt1it via @YouTube

— Dave Davies (@davedavieskinks) August 25, 2026