Aug 252026
Photo Credit: Dolly Parton social media
This one hurts. We have lost a National Treasure with the passing of Country Music Hall of Fame and Grand Ole Opry icon Dolly Parton. Here is the announcement video by her family, and here is the official statement from her social media accounts:
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 Carl Thomas Dean (1942 – 2025), her mother Avie Lee Caroline Owens (1923 – 2003), and father, Robert Lee Parton, Sr. (1921 – 2000).
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.
At Dolly’s request, a small, private service will be held for immediate family. Dolly’s fans and friends from around the world are encouraged to pay tribute to Dolly on social media by tagging @DollyParton or by leaving a message at dollyparton.com
In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations to be made to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library at imaginationlibrary.com
Here is a link to the write-up that Country Aircheck issued on her passing.
This post will be updated throughout the day as we get more quotes.
Here is what her peers are saying about her devastating loss:
- Aaron Tippin – The world has lost a beautiful soul and shining light. So sorry to hear of the passing of the irreplaceable Dolly Parton. I have always admired her amazing talents from her singing, songwriting, acting, business sense, and kind heart. She was one in a million and will be greatly missed. Prayers to her family and friends.
- Alabama – Rest easy, Dolly. We will always love you.
- Alison Krauss – Goodbye to the Queen. A gift to the world.
- Anita Cochran – Dolly Parton has passed. I am crying so hard. I had the privilege of getting to work with her, the biggest icon ever. She was to write the forward for my book and sing my favorite song with me on my new record. I guess she just didn’t want to go on without her true love, her husband Carl. My heart is broken beyond words. She wrote, produced my mom and I’s favorite some ever. The world suffers today from her lost. One of the saddest day’s ever. Heartbroken. I, we “Will Alway’s Love you”.
- Anne Murray – We have lost an angel. The world has been blessed to experience her talent, her joy, her kindness and goodness. Dolly was the best! What a legacy she has left!
- Anne Wilson – There will never be another Dolly. I’ve loved her for as long as I can remember. I grew up listening to her music, and her songs have been part of the soundtrack of my life for so many years. She paved the way for generations of women in country music, showing us that you could be strong and feminine, dream bigger than anyone thought possible, and never lose sight of who you are or where you came from. So many women have been able to chase their dreams because Dolly went first. Thank you for forever impacting country music. I will always be inspired by you. You forever changed the world. Rest easy
- Bellamy Brothers – We’ve known Dolly Parton a long time, and like everybody who was lucky enough to cross her path, we loved her.
Back in 2005, we got the chance to record “If I Said You Had a Beautiful Body” together. Dolly told us she’d always wanted to sing that song, and hearing her voice on it is something we’ll treasure even more today. She was one of a kind… talented beyond words, funny, gracious and always Dolly. Country music lost one of its greatest, and we lost a friend. We love you, Dolly. We’ll miss you.
- Big Kenny Alphin – Rest in peace dear Dolly. Your life has been every bit of absolutely incredible! So talented, funny and kind. American Legend. You will be remembered and missed by all. Prayers up.
- Bill Anderson – The last thing Dolly Parton said to me was, “Bill Anderson – I will Always Love You,” she was looking me in the eye from the giant video screen in the the Grand Ole Opry House on the occasion of my 65th Opry Anniversary a few weeks ago. She was smiling as only Dolly could, making my night even more special than it already was. The news of her passing has rocked my world, but as we sang together back in 2023, “Someday It’ll All Make Sense”
- Blake Shelton – I can say with absolute certainty that we are all feeling the same heart brokenness today. I only got to spend any real time with Dolly when Gwen and I got to work with her on The Voice. I want everyone to know that she was the EXACT person that you think she is. It was like being with the funnest, most loving, most caring and closest member of your family. Truly a loss for the entire world. We love you Dolly.
- Brad Paisley – I never imagined this day would come. Getting to know Dolly was life changing, but not just for me. For everyone. She seemed immortal. And in the spirit of what we sang together on this song, I believe she is. It won’t be the same down here without you Dolly. But what a legacy of goodness and art you leave for all of us. Goodbye hero. We will always love you.
- Bucky Covington – Dolly Parton was so much more than a country music legend. For generations, she gave us unforgettable songs, incredible talent, kindness, and a love for country music that helped shape the very heart of it. Her influence will live on through every songwriter, singer, and fan who was touched by her music and her spirit. This is a devastating loss for country music and for the world. Thank you, Dolly, for everything you gave us. Your music and legacy will live forever.
- Carly Pearce – I’ve said often in my life, “What will the world be without Dolly?” From the time I was a little girl, I wanted to be just like her. At 15 years old, my family uprooted their lives so I could start chasing my dreams, working in the country show at Dollywood. Since then, I’ve had the privilege of not only working with Dolly, but getting to know her. She was exactly who we all hoped she would be — kind, funny, gracious, and one of a kind. Heaven got a whole lot sassier, funnier, and brighter today. I will do my part as a woman in country music to continue carrying the light she shined so brightly for all of us. I love you, Dolly. – forever your little Dollywood girl
- Chris Janson – Rest in Heaven, my wonderful friend, duet partner, and mentor. Dolly was a wonderful person, and it stopped me in my tracks hearing of her passing. TRUE ICON, TRUE STAR, and REAL GREAT HUMAN. We’ll always love you, Dolly. My family is grateful the time we got to spend alongside of you. Love, CJ
- Connie Smith – God bless you, Dolly. We have always loved and will continue to love you dearly.
- Craig Campbell – This is the one and only time I met Dolly. She spoke to me like we were long time friends. I remember it like it was yesterday. Dolly: You singing tonight, baby? Me: Naw, not tonight. Dolly: Well you should be (followed by the famous Dolly laugh). What a loss for not only country music but for MUSIC!
- Craig Morgan – I am saddened to hear the news today about the passing of our beloved Dolly Parton. She will be deeply missed by so many, but her legacy, kindness, and spirit will live on forever through the many lives she touched and all that she gave the world.
- Craig Wayne Boyd – What a beautiful thing it is to have experienced the light that was Dolly Parton in our lifetime. That light shines on through her legacy. It’s going to be tough telling the kids when they get home from school that their hero has left us… Rest easy Dolly
- David Ball – It is with a very heavy heart that we tell you Dolly Parton has died. She was an angel on this earth, now she’s singing with them.
- David Frizzell – Say Hello To Heaven Dolly
We will always love you!!! - Deana Carter – Losing our sweet Dolly.
An amazing treasure & a void that no one can fill. So blessed to have had some time together. Our loss is Heaven’s gain. Till we meet again… - Drew Baldridge – Shocked to hear about the passing of Dolly.. A true icon that truly made the world a better place with her music and her gift of giving! Country Music wouldn’t be what it is today without her. So many hearts breaking around the world. There will never be another Dolly Parton!
- Gabby Barrett – I got the pleasure of meeting Dolly, and I’ve told the story at my shows through the years that I’m still pretty sure I hugged her a little too hard the first time we met as I was so excited. I got to pick her brain some about this business and was lucky enough to receive encouragement from her along the way. She sent me a handwritten card with butterflies on it, and I know exactly where that card is in my house. I made a point to keep it forever, and I always will. And crazy enough, Baylah (my 5 year old) just recently asked me, “Mom, when am I gonna get to meet Dolly Parton?” I told her, “Hmmm I’m not sure.” There was just nobody like her. She was so witty and could make you laugh, and then turn around and break your heart with a song. She was a songwriter and a country music woman through and through. I don’t know if I’ve ever seen someone so dedicated to this music and to what it means. She gave so much to country music, but I’ll always be especially grateful for the little bit of kindness and encouragement she gave to me. A true treasure who will be missed.
- Gene Watson – We are devastated by the news of the loss of Dolly Parton.
- George Strait – You’ve had such a huge impact on so many people all over the world, Dolly Parton. We will all miss you. May God bless the Parton family.
- Heidi Newfield – RIP DOLLY! We will always love you!
- Holly Tucker – So heartbroken today Dolly Parton was a national treasure and blessed the world in so many ways by the beautiful human she was! It was an honor to play her on stage so recently!
- Home Free – We’re heartbroken to say goodbye to Dolly Parton. Dolly’s music has been part of our lives for as long as we can remember, and getting to put our own spin on songs like “9 to 5” and “From Here to the Moon and Back” has always felt incredibly special. But the music was only part of what made Dolly, Dolly. She lived with so much heart, humor, independence, and kindness. She made people feel welcome exactly as they were, and used her success to give back in countless ways, especially through her lifelong commitment to putting books in the hands of children. She showed generations of us that you could stand firmly in who you are while still leading with love and acceptance. Thank you for the songs, the laughter, the example you set, and all the good you put into this world. We’ll be singing your music for a long, long time. Rest easy, Dolly.
- James Otto – Heartbreaking news to see the passing of Dolly Parton. She was such a warm and kind soul. She did so much for so many, from her amazing catalog of music to her incredible charity work. It’s kind of unbelievable what she accomplished in her life. Starting from her meager eastern TN upbringing and rising to be one of the most recognizable people in the world. She is a shining example for us all & the world is darker place without her light. RIP Dolly.
- Jamey Johnson – In the sweet by and by. We shall meet on that beautiful shore.
- Janie Fricke – My heart is broken over the passing of my dear friend Dolly Parton. Dolly brought so much joy to this world through her songs, her kindness, her humor, and her beautiful spirit. She had a special way of taking the everyday moments of life and making them feel extraordinary. I am so grateful for every memory and for the privilege of calling her my friend. My prayers are with the Parton and Owens families and with everyone who loved her. I take comfort in knowing that Dolly is in the loving arms of Jesus and reunited with her beloved Carl. God Bless you Dolly.
- Jay DeMarcus – I have no words for this one. There was not a kinder, more genuine, loving person than Ms Dolly. What an unbelievable loss, I kinda thought she’d be here forever I guess. Now she’s singing with the other Angels…
- Jeff Foxworthy – Sad news, what a life lived! Condolences to her family.
- Jennifer Nettles – The world is a better place because of Dolly Parton. She was a singing, dazzling, rhinestone example of what it means to be giving, kind, generous, gracious, and loving. She leaves us an artistic legacy that will never even remotely be rivaled, and moreover, she showed us what it means to be a leader of culture and an ally to those who need it most. And she did it all with a twinkle in her eye. Our hearts are broken at losing such a light. The stars will sparkle brighter tonight with her spirit. Thank you Dolly. For everything.
- Jo Dee Messina – There are no words to ease the sadness. Dolly, I remember being a little girl and learning every single one of your songs. My parents had your records, and I would listen to them endlessly. You’ve made a way for so many of us. Thank you for that! You were always the brightest light in the room. You will be greatly missed. I love you
- John Rich – Dolly Parton, an American Original and an absolute country music hero, has sadly passed away. Rest in peace. The whole world will miss you
- Josh Turner – Dolly Parton was an American treasure. She never let anything or anyone hold her back and she inspired millions to dream big. She was always full of energy and love and positivity. I got to meet Dolly a few times throughout my career but most memorably was Dolly “oohed and ahhhed” over the ring and just complimented Jennifer and me on it and made Jennifer feel so special that night. She will be missed. We love you, @dollyparton! And thank you for your contributions to country music!
- Josh Ward – “You’ll never do a whole lot unless you’re brave enough to try” 1946 – 2026
- Kacey Musgraves – Dolly. This really really hurts. The world feels a lot less sparkly all of a sudden. So glad she’s with her Carl Dean. No one talk to me today.
- KC of KC and the Sunshine Band – I am in shock. I met Dolly back in the late ’70s. We had the same manager, and I was lucky enough to meet her and know her throughout the years, and then we ended up with the same management team again years later. She was one of the sweetest and kindest people I had ever met. I have many fond memories that I will cherish and hold close to my heart. Such a talent and a tremendous loss to pop and country music and to those who knew and loved her. She will truly be missed.
- Kelly Clarkson – Dolly Parton had a way of making everyone feel special, and seen, and welcomed, and as if you were old friends. I will miss her heart and her voice as I am sure millions will. What an incredible gift and talent she was and still is with an amazing catalogue of art she has left behind for all of us.
- Kid Rock – Quite simply The G.O.A.T Thanks for the songs, the laughs, the humility and grace. Without a doubt a woman who God truly has his hands on. Rock on Dolly, baby rock on.
- Kristen Chenoweth – Like the rest of the world, I’m immediately heartbroken. I met Dolly on several occasions and she always made me feel like one of her own. She even agreed to sing with me on one of my records. My ultimate inspiration. The world has lost one of the best but I know we will never forget her because she is impossible to forget. I love you Dolly and I will ALWAYS love you.
- Kristian Bush – Dolly.. She mattered more than maps. Every time that I would answer the question, “Where are you from?” I would answer shyly “Sevierville, Tennessee”. The looks I would get back were confused and sometimes concerned, until I tried again for them saying, “Dollywood?”. At that point almost everyone would know exactly where I was from. Growing up in that town, it became clear that most people never really left. It always felt like opportunity wasn’t as accessible to most folks who lived there the way it was just a few towns over. That, combined with the idyllic setting of the oldest mountains in America, and families that were already 4 or 5 generations deep into their homesteads, made for a weird reality. It seemed that the only way to leave that town was to be a football player that might play for UT or be Dolly Parton. Funny enough, I picked her dream. As a right of passage in my hometown, we would dare each other to steal a road sign. I finally did it one day. I am sure I still carry my guilt about the county official that had to begrudgingly put the replacement sign back up near the high school ever time some dumbass over hormoned teenager like me would take the one before. It sits in my studio in Atlanta on my wall now where I can see it when I make things. When I am dreaming of impossible ambitions, trying to shake off the weight of the music business, or wondering if my career is over or just beginning, I see that sign. I think to myself she knows, she knew, she had the information and the answers. Someone from the square mile I am from, saw those mountains and climbed them and never gave up on herself, her music, or her hometown. Dolly, I’m sorry we never got to sit down and talk about this. I always thought there was plenty of time up ahead for us to do that. I was wrong. So, as a first prayer, feel free to come see me in my dreams while I sleep. We all still need you, and thank you for the dream, and the roadmap. I am forever grateful. Love, Kristian
- Lee Ann Womack – Can you imagine how beautiful the angel band sounds today?
- Lee Greenwood – Dolly Parton has always carried a light that shines from deep within. It is a light that will never fade. Her gifts as a singer, songwriter, musician, actress and entertainer are legendary. But as remarkable as her talent is, I believe her greatest legacy is her heart. Her faith in God, her kindness, her incredible work ethic and her generosity are simply part of who Dolly is. She has that rare gift of connecting with people and making everyone feel like they matter. And perhaps that is why her music has meant so much to so many of us. We all lived a little bit of life through Dolly’s songs. She gave words to love and heartache, hope and hardship, joy and dreams. Somehow, she could tell her story and make it feel like ours. Dolly has spent a lifetime sharing her light with others. Perhaps the greatest tribute we can give her is to carry a little of that light forward ourselves: to be kinder, to give more generously, to lift others up, and to leave the world a little brighter than we found it. One beautiful way to do that is by supporting Dolly’s Imagination Library and helping continue the work she began, putting books into the hands and dreams into the hearts of children everywhere. Thank you, Dolly, for the music, the laughter, the faith, the generosity and, most of all, the heart you have shared with all of us. We will always love you, Dolly.
- Lynyrd Skynyrd – The World lost one of its brightest lights today. Dolly was one of a kind — a true original whose music, kindness, faith and spirit touched generations. There will never be another Dolly Parton. Our hearts and prayers are with her family, friends and everyone who loved her. Rest easy, Dolly. We know you and Ronnie are already putting on one heck of a show up there — and maybe singing a little “Free Bird” together.
- Maddie & Tae – Getting to sit with you, talk with you, and learn from you will always be the greatest gift. And what an honor it was to record a song with you — one of the most special moments of our career. Thank you for showing us what it means to be a true legend, Miss Dolly Parton. We feel so lucky to have known you. You truly were an angel on this earth
- Maren Morris – there will never be another. Dolly Parton was who we could all agree on. she was and is such a light.
- Mark Chesnutt – It’s a different world now. It seems like our foundation is crumbling and there’s nothing to replace it with. I will always love you, Dolly.
- Mark Wills – The world was not ready for this day! We will always love you, Ms Dolly. Rest in Peace
- Moe Bandy – One of the most sweetest kindest ladies I’ve ever met and one of the most talented people in our business. She was a blessing for our country. There will never be another Dolly. We lost a great entertainer. RIP
- Paul Brandt – Dolly in the arms of Jesus. Dolly farmed songs and happiness. We will always love you too Dolly.
- Phil Vassar – Dolly was an unmatched talent!
A Singer/Songwriter/Actress/Business Woman and Humanitarian!!! . What a wonderful blessing she was to us ALL. - Ray Scott – Not Dolly..
. rip.. - Ray Stevens – I’m so sorry to hear of the passing of the one and only Dolly. She was a one of a kind and I’ve known her since she first came to town in 1965 and Fred Foster had me produce her first records. What talent!!!
- Reba McEntire – 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 will remember and cherish every memory and every note you ever played and sang. Thank you, Lord, for Dolly. She’s gonna have a blast in heaven singing all her favorite songs with all her family and friends who have gone on before her. I’ll never forget the first time I met you and I’ll never forget our last conversation. I hold it with love in my heart. I will always love you, Reba
- Rebecca Lynn Howard – What an honor to grow up in a world where Dolly reigned as the Queen of Country Music. I’ll forever be grateful for her influence and her light. May she be resting comfortably in Jesus arms and singing her heart out with the angels. There’ll never be another Dolly. We are blessed to have known this time with her.
- Rick Trevino – We will ALWAYS love you, Dolly!
- Rodney Atkins – Dolly showed us kids from East Tennessee just how far a dream from East Tennessee could go ….without ever forgetting where it came from. A true American original. What a beautiful life. What a beautiful light. Rest easy, Dolly. #dolly
- Sarah Darling – RIP country angel
- Sawyer Brown – It would be impossible to express just how heartbroken we are to hear that Dolly Parton passed away. She was, and always will be, an absolute treasure. She sent so much love and so much joy into the world—and the world is a better place because of it. Our tears are tempered by the joy of knowing that she has heard her Savior say, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant. Welcome home.” We love you, Dolly!
- Shaboozey – Rest in peace Dolly Parton, I wish I had the honor of meeting you. You were everyone’s favorite artist. Thank you for giving us some of the greatest music we’ll ever know.
- Sheryl Crow – There is a hole in the universe. There was and will never be anyone like Dolly. I did not know her well but I loved her like family… we all did. She was an incredible story teller musically and in real life. But she was also a loving and compassionate human being, led by goodness in all she did. I will miss knowing she is on the planet but she will never be far away. RIP Dolly Parton. We love you.
- Steve Azar – Absolutely 1 of the greatest singer, songwriter, performers, entertainers, a true pioneer in our music business. No one changed it more and shaped it more than the legendary Dolly Parton. I was fortunate enough to meet and spend a little time with her back n the day RIP Dolly
- Sundance Head – Dolly Parton was a real star. She has moved on
She was a total Badass. And Now many people will discover her for the first time. She will live forever in American lore that transcends music. She is a American Icon. R.i.p - T. Graham Brown – The sweet, kind, and incomparable Dolly has passed on to rest in the arms of her Jesus. It would take volumes to list her many accomplishments. Some of my favorite memories are being on the road with her and Kenny Rogers. She always lit up the stage, and everyone in attendance was thrilled and delighted by her performance. She will forever live on in our hearts. We will always love you. Rest in peace, sister.
- Terri Clark – We just lost our matriarch. She was so much more than an entertainer. She swung the pendulum toward the light in times of darkness. She gave back so much more than she ever took and used her name and influence for the greater good. THAT’S WHY the song “What Would Dolly Do” was written and loved.
The world almost feels off its axis right now, and how we exist in it without her remains to be seen.She taught us so much through her heart and her actions and left behind a legacy of love and light. Now she is in that light with her loved ones and her God.Thank you, Dolly, for inspiration beyond music. Humanity is better because of you.
- TG Sheppard – There are no words to describe the sadness that I am feeling hearing that Dolly has died today. We were dear friends from the Pigeon Forge days to touring together and at every instance she was a total pro and a class act.
- The Lacs – There are entertainers…then there are legends. Dolly showed us the difference. She gave country music generations of memories, but what she did off the stage may have said even more about who she was. She gave back, took care of people, treated folks right and built a name that stood for something. For guys like us coming up in this business, Dolly was proof that you could believe in yourself, stay true to who you are, do business the right way and never forget the people who helped get you there. That’s bigger than songs, stages and lights. That’s a legacy. We’re grateful we got to grow up watching one of the best to ever do it show us how it’s done. Rest easy, Dolly. You’ll never be forgotten.
- The Oak Ridge Boys – Rest easy, Dolly…
- Trace Adkins – It is indeed rare for the world, collectively, to express sorrow for someone’s passing. I knew her to be the angel that they think she was, and I’ll miss her. Dolly, I’ll always love you.
- Ward Davis – I don’t say much when celebrities die. For the most part “they’re people just like me,” as the saying goes, and I figure it’s for the folks who knew them to speak on their passing. But Dolly? My Lord, she wasn’t “people just like me.” Or like any of us. We won’t ever know all the good that woman brought to this earth. Only what she wanted us to know, or what couldn’t be hidden. I think we can all safely assume that Dolly’s fortune will bestow upon the world generations of good deeds, and help children and families and communities for years to come, all the while leaving us with the sound of her precious voice, and all those wonderful songs, and lessons she gave us throughout the time we shared this world with her. And what an honor it should be for us all, that we got to live in the time of Dolly. And her boobs. Can you name a more famous pair?. Exactly. And that’s the way she wanted it. She turned our heads to where they couldn’t turn away, and while we were looking, she showed us ALL how to be good humans. What a gift she was. God, bless and rest her soul. Amen