Tributes For Dolly Parton, Beloved Singer-Songwriter-Actress-Philanthropist, Dead at 80
by Greg Brodsky
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, following a brief battle with cancer, 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,” “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
“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
From Paul McCartney: “The magnificent star Dolly Parton has died and it is so sad. She was such a wonderful woman. I first met her in Nashville at the Grand Ole Opry where she had been playing with the country star Porter Wagoner and was about to start her solo career. She was so bubbly and full of life it is difficult to take in the news that she has passed. Her songwriting, her singing and her philanthropy were unrivaled in the world of country music and it is hard to imagine living in a world without Dolly. She was a very clever business woman who understood the value of her music and, most importantly, the effect that she had on the people of the world. There was no greater honour for me than to have her sing my song Let It Be and, even though I only made a small contribution to it, I am so honoured that she did it. I am so proud to have known her and admire her unique talents.
Thanks Dolly for the beautiful music you gave me and the whole world. We will always love you, god bless and rest in peace. You were the best.”
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
From Linda Ronstadt: “I am deeply saddened by the passing of my friend, Dolly Parton. One of the most extraordinary musical experiences of my life was recording with her. The world is a poorer place without her.”
What a wonderful songwriter and singer Dolly was. She brought so many people together, we will all miss her so much. pic.twitter.com/DJ394Y2n91
— Mick Jagger (@MickJagger) August 25, 2026
The feeling of losing my Aunt Dolly is beyond what feels right to share. Our most sacred moments were private and they’ll stay there behind the stage, beneath the glamour & between our hearts.
What I KNOW is Dolly would want me to feel it, write a song about it, and then… pic.twitter.com/VFV6MohLto
— Miley Cyrus (@MileyCyrus) August 26, 2026
— Debbie Harry/BLONDIE (@BlondieOfficial) August 25, 2026
From Bob Seger: “We’ve lost one of our best in music and as a human being. A true defender and tireless champion for so many. Rest in peace, Dolly.”
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.”
Remembering the late, great Dolly, who brought joy, comfort and inspiration to so many – including the millions of children given free books through her Imagination Library. We will always ❤️ you. pic.twitter.com/wdKHKGALlH
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) August 26, 2026
Her 9 To 5 co-stars, Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin, both posted tributes. Fonda wrote, ““I am devastated. I just learned that Dolly has moved on. I know that millions are mourning and I want to say this – more than anyone I have ever known, Dolly will always be with us because she was so present, so powerful, so generous and playful that she is woven into all our lives and hearts forever. We have our memories of her, her songs, Dollywood, ‘9 to 5,’ the millions of books she got into the hands of children, all the iconic images that bring her to us. And they are all blessings.”
View this post on Instagram
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.
Well, I just got the news that my buddy Dolly passed onto the higher and greater side.
Dolly, thank you for all the wonderful things you did for us here on earth.
Your love, your music and you gave so much with your huge huge heart.
There will never ever be another you.
We… pic.twitter.com/qpbvKUNbiM— Reba McEntire (@reba) August 25, 2026
Elton John wrote, “Shocked and devastated to hear of Dolly’s passing. A giant of an artist – unique and irreplaceable, with the kindest heart.”
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
From Rod Stewart: “I’m absolutely floored … I’ve just gotten over Bonnie [Tyler] leaving us. RIP my darling Dolly.”
Sad to hear the passing of Dolly Parton. I have been an admirer and fan since the 70s and Jolene. Dolly was such a bright and shining person I know she will be missed dearly. She was a completely unique and wonderful soul and I am blessed to have met her. pic.twitter.com/b8uk8WpY3D
— John Fogerty (@John_Fogerty) August 25, 2026
Stevie Nicks shared a memory of recording with Dolly a few years earlier. “I spent a week with Dolly in Nashville to record one of my songs with her for her ‘Rock Star’ album. Best week ever.
“A week with Dolly was like a master class for me. I tried to be a sponge ~ and learn everything I could learn from her ~ in a very few days. Learning from her was easy because she was a really good teacher. I think she saw me as a really good student; I just tried to listen. She said she could become a rock star ~ and I watched her do it. When I was there she was not even close to being finished gathering more rock & roll songs that she wanted to sing.
“So, 🤍 Dolly, Dolly, Dolly ~
Rock and Roll & Country ~
Carry all those songs with you ~
Right up to heaven ~
Sing your songs to all those you meet
This will be their blessing
Dolly, how we’ll miss you
There’ll never be another you ~
And I will always love you
“Love Love Love,
Stevie”
Joan Jett wrote, “Dolly was a one of a kind, altruistic, down to earth, musical genius. Working with her was one of the highlights of my career.”
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
From Don McLean: “The death of Dolly Parton is as big as Elvis. This rocks the country and the world in the same way and we won’t get over this for a long time. God bless this beautiful girl.”
Dolly Parton was one of a kind.
I had the pleasure of crossing paths with Dolly over the years, and she was every bit as memorable, talented and funny as you would imagine.But beyond the extraordinary talent was something even more important: her heart.
She brought joy to…
— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) August 25, 2026
From Don Henley: “Dolly Parton was – and will remain – an American Treasure. It was one of the greatest honors of my career to sing with her. She could light up any room she was in. Her basic goodness, her humility, her generosity of spirit, were inspirational. We grieve her loss, but we are grateful for the many gifts she left us. Rest in peace, sweet Smoky Mountains Songbird.”
A beautiful memory with Dolly, who will be greatly missed. There will never be another like her! pic.twitter.com/CiE6ioYzS2
— Tom Jones (@RealSirTomJones) August 28, 2026
Parton’s many recordings are available here.
1 Comment so far
Jump into a conversationA true American musical icon; looking forward to the tribute concerts. Shine on Dolly; your light follows us all.