Dolly Parton, Legendary US Country Singer, Dies Aged 80

Dolly Parton, one of the most celebrated figures in country music, has died aged 80.

Parton leaves behind a remarkable seven-decade career in which she won 10 Grammy Awards, sold more than 100 million records worldwide and wrote more than 3,000 songs.

Although she became famous as a singer and performer, Parton always regarded herself primarily as a songwriter. She once described songwriting as her way of expressing herself and called it her “therapy”.

Beyond music, Parton was also a successful businesswoman who took control of her career with a combination of determination, sharp humour and Southern charm.

Born Dolly Rebecca Parton in 1946, she was the fourth of 12 children in a poor farming family in Tennessee. The family lived in a one-bedroom cabin, while her father, Robert Lee Parton, worked as a tobacco farmer.

Music was part of Parton’s childhood. Her mother, Avie Lee, regularly sang folk songs, while an aunt played guitar and wrote songs. Her uncle, Bill Owens, also accompanied Parton on guitar during some of her earliest performances.

Parton began singing at her local church at the age of six, where her grandfather was the pastor. By her teenage years, she was already appearing on local television.

In 1959, at just 13, she performed with Uncle Bill at Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry, one of the most important stages in country music. She was introduced by country music star Johnny Cash.

Parton’s career continued to grow over the following decades as she established herself as a prolific songwriter, recording artist, actress and entrepreneur. Her distinctive voice, songwriting and flamboyant stage style made her one of the most recognisable entertainers in the world.

In later years, Parton occasionally postponed or cancelled performances while receiving medical treatment.

In May 2026, she postponed an upcoming Las Vegas residency while being treated for kidney stones. At the time, she joked about needing to recover before returning to the stage.

“I can’t be dizzy carrying around banjos, guitars and such on 5-inch heels,” she said in a video message, adding that she would also have to cope with her “heavy rhinestone outfits, the big hair” and her “big… uh, personality”.

Parton’s death marks the end of an extraordinary career that took her from a one-bedroom cabin in rural Tennessee to the pinnacle of global music and entertainment.