Music icon Dolly Parton dies at 80 after brief battle with cancer
Trump ordered flags at the White House, federal buildings, military installations and US diplomatic facilities around the world to be flown at half-staff in her honor
The death of country music icon Dolly Parton on Tuesday at the age of 80 sent shockwaves around the world, leaving millions of fans in mourning.
Parton died at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville following “a brief and courageous battle with cancer,” her representatives said in a statement provided to CBS News. She was surrounded by loved ones.
In recent months, Parton had canceled several public appearances because of health concerns. She postponed a series of performances in Las Vegas and withdrew from an event at her Dollywood theme park. At the time, she said she was experiencing complications related to kidney stones.
Just days before her death, Parton spoke candidly to People magazine about her health.
“I’m dealing with some health issues that I didn’t pay attention to when I was taking care of Carl,” she said, referring to her husband, Carl Dean, who died in March 2025. Parton acknowledged that she had neglected her own well-being while caring for him.
Despite her declining health, she continued working on several projects, including Dolly: A True Original Musical, an autobiographical Broadway production featuring her songs.
Tributes poured in from across the entertainment industry following the announcement of her death.
Singer and actress Miley Cyrus, Parton’s goddaughter, expressed her grief on social media.
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“There are so many bad people in this world, and we had to lose a pure heart like Dolly Parton,” Cyrus wrote. “A heartbreaking day for all of humanity. I can’t believe we’ve lost the purest soul. Rest in glory. My heart aches.”
US President Donald Trump also paid tribute to Parton, saying: “There was never anyone like her, and there never will be.”
Trump ordered flags at the White House, federal buildings, military installations and US diplomatic facilities around the world to be flown at half-staff in her honor.
Born in Tennessee in 1946, Parton became one of the most influential and beloved figures in country music. Her seven-decade career produced enduring songs such as “Jolene,” “9 to 5” and “I Will Always Love You.”
Beyond music, she was widely admired for her acting, business ventures and philanthropy, particularly the Imagination Library, her international program providing free books to young children.
Parton’s family has requested a small, private funeral. Fans wishing to honor her memory have been encouraged to donate to the Imagination Library.