News of country music legend Dolly Parton’s death shocked the music community and her fans who’ve been with her through her decades-long career.
“Dolly has lived in the light and is in the arms of Jesus, surely met by Carl, her parents and countless others who have watched her and longed for her to meet them in the heavens,” said Bryan Seaver, Parton’s nephew and longtime head of security.
Parton died on Aug. 25 at 80. Her husband, Carl Dean, died in March 2025 at 82.
Her family did not announce her cause of death, though she’d been open about her health struggles that forced her to pause performing in recent years.
Tributes for Parton have poured in as news of her death spread this afternoon.
President Donald Trump wrote on social media, “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. There has never been anyone like her, and never will.”
He announced that he will lower flags throughout the United States for a week, starting tonight, in her honor.
“Rest in peace, Dolly! The World loves you,” his post concluded.
Parton’s longtime friend and fellow country star Reba McEntire honored her memory.
“Your love, your music and you gave so much with your huge huge heart,” she wrote on Instagram. “We will remember and cherish every memory and every note you ever played and sang.”
“Thank you, Lord, for Dolly,” McEntire added. “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.”
Related: Dolly Parton and Zach Williams Talk About Faith: ‘A Mighty Thing’
Singer Zach Williams, who collaborated with Parton on his 2022 song “There Was Jesus” and the 2024 single “Lookin’ For You,” said “You showed all of us that success didn’t have to change your heart, and that we could use what God gave us to make life a little better for somebody else.”
“Thank you for the road you paved, the music you gave us, and the example you set for artists like me. Country music, and my own journey wouldn’t be the same without you,” he added.
“Dolly was one of those rare people who somehow felt like she belonged to all of us. Funny. Kind. Generous. Completely Dolly!” Christian singer Crowder wrote in an Instagram tribute. “In a world determined to find reasons to divide us, Dolly Parton was a unifying light. What a life. What a songwriter. What a gift from God. Thank you, Dolly. Rest with Jesus.”
E News host Jason Kennedy shared “a few of my favorite moments” from interviews with the singer.
“You really know when you have a true fan when someone like Jennifer Anniston says I named my dog Dolly Parton,” she laughed in the clip.
“Thanks for bringing all of us so much joy,” Kennedy wrote in the caption.
Great American Family actress Jill Wagner said of Parton, “You were like a mama bear to the world . No voice will ever compare. Thank you sweet Dolly for all of the good you did for the children. You songs will live on but your legacy was your kindness.”
In an Instagram story, singer Jamie Grace shared a photo of a Dolly Parton t-shirt sitting on her counter.
“This is my bathroom counter,” she said. “A decision made before I knew. I just got out of the shower to the worst news on the planet and had already planned to wear this shirt and genuinely feel so confused and upset in my head right now. A genuine leader, icon, inspiration and one of the kindest people I have met.”
As tributes continue to flood social media, memories of Parton’s faith, kindness and love prove her legacy will continue on. Please keep her family and friends in your prayers.
https://www.instagram.com/p/DceRhjfhOWW/
Read Next: Blessing Offor and Dolly Parton Team Up for New Song
Questions or comments? Please write to us here.
