Dolly Parton, Country Music Icon, Dies at 80

The legendary singer-songwriter and actress passed away at 80, only four days after telling fans she still had many goals to accomplish. Parton’s career spanned decades, earning her Grammy awards, film roles, and a musical inspired by her own life.

Health Decline After Husband’s Death

Parton had been open about her declining health following the death of her husband of nearly 60 years, Carl Thomas Dean, who died in March 2025. In a statement shared on Friday, Aug. 21, she acknowledged that she had neglected her own well-being while caring for Dean.

“As I’ve shared in video messages throughout the past year, I am dealing with some health issues that I just didn’t pay attention to when I was watching over Carl,” Parton told PEOPLE. She recalled past health battles, including a period in the early 1980s when she was “down for several months with female issues” and struggled with her weight. “It’s not like I haven’t been through hard times with my health,” she said.

Despite the challenges, Parton remained determined. “Even though I’m still healin’, I’m still workin’! … I’ve dreamed myself into a corner and I still have so many things I want to achieve, so I’m gonna keep on working as long as I can to see everything come to life,” she said.

A Life in Music and Film

Born into poverty, Parton began playing guitar at age 6 and writing songs a year later. She moved to Nashville in 1964 after high school, writing songs for other artists and performing in clubs. Her big break came when a partner helped her secure a record deal, leading to early successes as duets with that costar.

Her first country No. 1 came in 1971 with “Joshua,” followed by “Coat of Many Colors” (No. 4) and the iconic “Jolene” in 1973. “I Will Always Love You,” written as a farewell to her creative partner Porter Wagoner, topped the country chart twice and later became a global megahit. Parton also starred in films such as “9 to 5” and “Steel Magnolias.”

With more than 160 million albums sold worldwide, she remains the best-selling female country music artist of all time. Her debut album was released in 1967.

Legacy of Wit and Resilience

Parton often joked about her glamorous image, saying in 2003 that as a child she “had freckles and a gap in my teeth” and wanted to “fix” herself up. She embraced her dramatic appearance but never took herself too seriously. “I’ll always be a country musician because I’m a country girl,” she told PEOPLE in 1975. “My style is my soul and my feelings.”

She is survived by her legacy of music, film, and philanthropy. Parton was preceded in death by her husband, Carl Thomas Dean.