Dolly Parton, Iconic Singer, Songwriter, Dies at 80
By: Daren DeFrank (TheWrap)
S E E D E D C O N T E N T
"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," her family says in a statement
Daren DeFrank August 25, 2026 @ 11:00 AM 
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Dolly Parton, a prolific singer known for hits like "I Will Always Love You" and "Jolene," has died. She was 80.
Parton's nephew Bryan Seaver shared the news Tuesday in an Instagram video posted to the singer's page.
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A post shared by Dolly Parton (@dollyparton)
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).
More to come…
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Tears are running down my face. I never cry over celebrities, but this one I can't help myself.
she was a very nice genuine person, and IMO one of the last real talented women in legitimate country music. I actually met her once in the mid 70's when she and some other goober dwarf with a hit record came into the record distributorship I worked at. unfortunately, as a 19 or 20 year old male at the time, I found it impossible to keep my gaze on her face ...
Here too.
They had so much chemistry.
I've been watching the dolly, linda, and emmylou trio videos across the decades on youtube ...
it bothers me when those that gave back so much sometimes leave before those that didn't deserve to be here at all ...
Don't blame ya, she was an amazing human being.
This is one of my favorites of hers
Now I am sitting at my desk, at work & crying.
Off and on for me since I heard the news. I can't believe she's gone
I got choked up (lump in the throat) and even went about calling a couple of friends. . .she has that kind of impact and appeal. Yes! She does. . .her public persona was warm and extended across people groups.
I remember "The Bodyguard" and thinking how powerful Whitney Houston's singing 'I Will Always Love You" is. . . and I did not know it was a cover for a Dolly Parton song. . . we can respect each other for the good we do and bring to the 'table' (of our world).
Dolly Parton, made me laugh (outloud) for her wit: "It takes a lot of money. . .to look this cheap!" She once stated. . .and I 'hooted'! And that is when I fell 'in love' with her as a personality. That is when I begin to see her for the 'down-home' - everyday 'gal' she wanted to be accepted as!
Gay America weeps.
But here in Texas one stupid law was struck down (finally) as unconstitutional and Adulterer Ken Paxton is considering appealing the ruling again.
The Anti Drag Show Law is for now off the books again.
Dolly Parton impersonator Bridgette Bandit will test the waters on Saturday at a local Austin bar
Ken is a slow learner.
Most Trump supporters are.
Ken is probably "happy" for this turn-out. Seeing that he can continue cosplay as a conservative 'victim' representing (and protecting). . . wait for it: Conservatives. against those filthy, seedy, and 'sinful' drag-gers!
Of course, MAGA supporters will 'come out' for him this fall. . . because he is 'representing the cause—taking down the Other and giving voice to the 'weary' conservatives whom love their Jesus: Who hates homosexuals and 'queens' that are trying to make a living in a red state that otherwise won't hire them so they can eat!
"Conservative-ville" at it 'finest! /s
This case is an example of why I detest MAGA supporters! Dolly Parton believed in God, Jesus, Christianity, the Church, and humanity. She believed the LGBTQ community to be a part of HUMANITY and it was a enough for her as she left it up to God to judge and love Others. Her 'role' in the life of Others was to see them and the world they created for themselves (because southern conservative culture would not except to 'strangle' every avenue of their growth and prosperity).
[✘]
I wonder what stage name ken uses for his drag persona ...
"Archie Bunker" in drag comes to mind:
Credit: DuckAI
This would have been a perfect opening for MAGA conservatives to turn over a new leaf in their war against liberals-this moment in time is perfect to follow the example of a person "Be(ing) best" in the vein of Dolly Parton!
Ahhh crap...I hate it when I awake of a morning and someone who I admire and respect has passed away during the night...
Her legacy has touched hundreds of thousands of kids around the world.. including in my home town... Dolly started this years ago.....
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Australia is a free book gifting program devoted to inspiring a love of reading in the hearts of children everywhere. Each month, enrolled children receive a high-quality, age-appropriate book in the mail, free of charge. Children receive books from birth to age five.
She will be so truly missed...and thank you Dolly for the humanity and love you spread around the world with your music.... sleep well...
Dolly Parton's Imagination Library has reportedly donated more than 330 million books to children around the world. It was created to honor her father who could not read or write. What a remarkable legacy.
Wow...did not know she reached Australia! My local news reported this morning that her Imagination Library is in all 75 counties in Arkansas.
Morning..yes over 300 kids in my town receive books, including my neighbours kids when they lived there..
Rather staggering to think she even touched my town 12,000 kms away with her generosity..
One of a few, who actually put their words, into practice...
What a legacy Dolly has left..💐
Although I was more involved with folk music, I considered Dolly Parton to be an icon, a symbol of Americana. Her death is a loss not just to us, not to just America, not just to the world of music, but to the world at large.
When Shakespeare wanted to indicate the importance of a person lost, he used the words "He was a man, take him for all in all, I shall not look upon his like again." If you could feminize that statement, you could apply it to Dolly Parton.
This would be a very inauspicious day for the NYC Police Department to go raiding any Greenwich Village gay bars. IYKWIM...
I have loved Dolly Parton ever since she first started appearing on The Porter Wagoner Show in 1967...
We watched that show religiously when I was a kid
I was definitely not into country music back theb, but Dolly was something else. She had started writing hit songs by age 16...
It was a Dolly Parton's song (and Loretta Lynn) playing on the local radio station/s while I was going across the mid-South by bus one year that 'taught' me the value of country music. In big cities, the sound (purpose) of country music can get lost in the setting.
However, traveling across country. . .with earphones on. . .seeing the rolling plains stretching out before me. . . I 'got' the meaning and power of country music. . .I have not forgotten that ride (of my life) since, for now I understand country music in its proper setting. Since that time, I enjoy the story-telling in a good country song, too!
Careful, you're showing your age.....
P.S. I did too.
I was about 12 or 13 the first time I really noticed Dolly Parton. Old Porter Wagoner always had the biggest shit eating grin on his face when he appeared with Dolly, and everybody understood why...
she was a huge supporter of the LGBTQ community, back when that wasn't so popular, and got death threats for it. I also remember reading that she once entered a dolly parton drag contest, and lost ...
she revived loretta lynn and tammy wynettes careers with a collaboration album she did with them, saved porter wagoner from destitute homelessness, and gifted his family back his own musical legacy, that he had squandered, out of her own pocket. her foundation gifted her home state of tennessee millions in charitable contributions.
She seemed like a very genuine person, kind and caring.
she may have lived in the heart of the country western musical neighborhood, but she traveled freely across all musical genres and was welcomed with open arms in each. her list of collaborations with other artists is impressive and envied across the entire industry. she was instrumental in freeing female artists from the last corporate cookie cutters in the music business and gave those women the courage ability to control their own destiny with their own music. she came from nothing, built a 60 year music legacy, and shared everything she had selflessly with others, without ever being asked to do so. she was the kind of american that all americans should aspire to be.
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has donated over 3M books to young readers since its inception. A truly strong, powerful woman who has left an incredible legacy.
And her collaboration with Emmylou Harris and Linda Ronstadt as Trio is a regular on my playlist. Some of the most beautiful harmonies ever.
does your local radio station still host guest DJ slots on the weekends?
I saw a report that said her charity has donated more than 330 million books!
that's got to be well over a billion dollars ...
prior to trio, or the original version, your choice. when we were all a lot younger ...
Dolly Parton's contribution was to be a humanitarian. As a singer she was just one of many, she was not the greatest country music singer. As a person she was at or near the peak.
This is so sad. She was absolutely WONDERFUL. She was a brilliant musician and played guitar beautifully, a top class songwriter, had one of the most beautiful singing voices ever and was a true philanthropist. She will be deeply missed.
Aww. That is so cute (her singing, "Coat of Many Colors)" . . . I have to ask. . .how is she playing guitar with those fingernails?!!! Great Dolly! Just Great!
the greatest thing about dolly was that she never forgot where she came from, and the road she traveled to get where she had gotten ...
I can't recall all the details, but what porter wagoner was trying to do to her and her future career was a pretty notorious story in the music business. her later reaction of total forgiveness towards him and his past efforts against her was nothing short of xtian sainthood.
This just sucks.
I got to say this, if only because it keeps coming to my mind (all day). Dolly Parton's persona is that of a sweet, lovely, down to earth woman. . . as I hear about her 'bio' on the news. . . and learn more about her really. . . .
I am reminded in a weird way, a truly counterproductive way even, of Donald Trump. A man for whom I will never miss! Donald may never truly know or understand what it is to love people for just being human (people). Dolly Parton is that example that Trump may never 'figure' out and comprehend.
About the only decent thing Trumpet has done so far is the flags in Dolly's honour to be flown half mast for a week..
And I am surprised by that bit of news. . .seeing as she did not accept his offer of the Medal of Honor (and did not accept Biden's offer of the medal either)!
she was a proactive advocate for humanity and avoided the appearance of being political.
I try/ied to avoid being controversially political. . . and it did not work out so well. Because well, conservatives need people like >me<to kick, punch, and make and promote culture wars against in order to CONTROL and believe they are good people (I guess).
as a gay black male in this current political sewer that maga has turned america into? good luck with that ...
I've turned into a social recluse just to keep from getting shot or risk shooting some maga dipshit as an act of mercy ... /s
I agree. I turned into a 'recluse' too, because of what I can only best describe as having a Christian faith that does not 'square' with homosexuality and yet it is a part of me. The best I can do is be TRUE to myself, my doubts,. . .my confusions, my questions that may never find sufficient answers in this world!
In that sense, I can understand your resolve to stay away from individuals and people with worldviews that 'cloud' and 'confuse' you such that you want to strike out.
I have been there. Actually, I am 'there' now even.
Devangelical, I am one of the most "easy-going" people on this green earth. In general, by now you have observed years of my presence and comments here, you may can see that I try to find balance with others, try not to openly offend (sometimes can't avoid it), and not to be one 'ready' to put-down. However, when pushed too far by the actions and subterfuges of the political right. . . when my back is up against the wall. . . I will come out 'swinging' for what I believe in!
I stand with you, and other heterosexuals of a like mind! Thank you for standing with people like me. (Because you do not have to do it-and, I know it. Dolly Parton did not have to do it-and she did!)
says who? those fake xtians that can't/won't live according to their own savior's teachings? what the fuck do they know about anything? they're not christians, they're hypocrites, and those are the kind of thumpers that can go fuck right off. I do it to honor my 2 gay friends from 40 years ago and what I saw them go thru, needlessly. it's about equality, in america, people that fuck with that, are fucking with me. I no longer get physical with assholes, but as I get older, life in prison becomes less of a threat ...
Trump told a radio interview today that Dolly Parton liked him.
As if anyone gives a shit.
[✘]
I do not want you in prison, Devangelical. Thank you for sharing that. I am touched by it—really.
As for me, I am. . .I am. . . in the words of Apostle Paul. . .'learning to live in whatever state I find myself' as a state of peace with myself - as a believer and homosexual (celibate). The bible truly is ambiguous about what it 'instructs' on the subject of homosexualty (there is, and is not 'certainty') within in its books. I know, because I read that 'compilation of books cover to cover continuously.
The thing I find most difficult to process is. . .there is a whole population of citizens dedicated to making homosexuals 'dreadful' in their eyes.
I, we, some of us, many of us, are really nice individuals. . .whom have had to fight all our lives (or go 'without') against conservative individuals and groups that have dedicated themselves to 'spying' us out and pointing at every misstep we make as a group. . .and for our just 'being.'
It is so 'm/saddening.'
I am old(er) now. And,. . I have lived long enough to see this come full-circle. That is, I know (probably so like your friends of 40 years) what it is like to be hated for my skin color, hated for my sexuality, and 'discounted' as not good enough to be an American-by conservatives. It takes a strong mind—really.
("What does not kill you makes you stronger.")
By now you can discern that there are 'others' that we can speak about whom are having to endure a lifelong of hate and hateful policies stacked up against them. . .and as always. . .the question: Why does all this hatred that spans lifetimes come from the same 'Usual suspects' and their 'generations'?
I don't believe Jesus said a word about homosexuality. And Paul can kiss my ass. I don't pay attention to anything he says.
I say be true to yourself and your God and you will be a virtuous man. Which you are already
I failed to mention that my 2 gay friends are no longer among the living. 1 died of aids and the other of heart failure. I worked with both in the restaurant industry. they were the ultimate pranksters with twisted senses of humor. we bonded within weeks and our friendships spanned decades. we traded being tour guides/protectors within each others worlds. our friendships started in 1979.
It is the ones who try to make being homosexual dreadful in the eyes of others that I worry about.
I love that! Thank you for it. I had not seen her speak on this in her own words until now. She is absolutely right!
The way this world is setup, the way scripture ambiguously speaks on the matter of homosexuality in the New Testament (and some suggest the Old Testament too) leaves 'room' for interpretation. That said, WHATEVER the message of the Bible on homosexuality:
Because both 1 and 2 above are left open-ended, we of faith are left to figuring out the meaning for ourselves according to our individual understanding.
That is the way I see it too. Kudos for Dolly! That is, no human has a 'heaven or hell' to commit my soul to. . . whatever my or any same-sex individual's 'final outcome' will be can only be decided in the 'heavenlies. . . ' - not by human on Earth.
Worse, is we have humans on Earth that so want us to live according to their personal standards, that they would talk about freedom, liberty, and prosperity in one breath repeatedly, while damning and obstructing an entire people group from enjoying the same!
now you know why I don't feel bound by the 10 commandments when it comes to dealing with fake xtians ...
On my way home last night the DJ decided to play a tribute to Dolly so he picks "Jolene". Then I started crying while driving. "9 to 5" would have been a better choice only because he even admitted to getting choked up while listening to "Jolene". "9 to 5" is upbeat and reflects Dolly's humor
My daughter and I always belt out "Jolene" when we hear it. On the way to work, the DJ played "Here You Come Again" and it brought tears to my eyes. I was singing along through the tears.
I wish I had called the radio station and scolded the DJ for making EVERYBODY cry after he played that song.
Last night, Brad Paisley shared a video of his duet with Dolly - "When I Get Where I'm Going". That made me cry.
ok ladies , im about to maybe make you get a little misty.
i was thinking about Dollys passing , and i remembered how her only husband had passed last year , And how she was about family, i can imagine her hearing this song .
Collin Raye - Love, Me (If You Get There Before I Do)
Jack White sang it live last night in London too.
there's a video on youtube with dolly doing stairway to heaven by led zeppelin. she did a lot of rock collaborations ...
Delivered with the UPMOST RESPECT FOR DOLLY PARTON:
They say it comes in 3s yesterday it was Dolly , today it was Tim Curry and one im not sure many will remember but Jaye P Morgan at 94 , remember the old 70s Gong Show , she was the female judge .
I hope Willie Nelson , Stevie Nicks , Cher, and a couple others i cant remember at the moment are in a safe room and in bubble wrap.
Clint Eastwood
sorry, I fell into the dolly rabbit hole on youtube ...
Saw something on the internet that made me stop and go OMG thats true .
one of dollys famous songs already mentioned was 9 to 5.
look at the month and day she passed .
9- 2- 5
Except that Dolly died on August 25th, or 8-25-26...
your right my bad .
so she went in an hour early. or took an hr off during the day .
i will blame this on switching to decaf a month ago.