Variety- Dolly Parton, who rose from a loving if impoverished upbringing in the mountains of East Tennessee to become the Queen of Country music, has died at age 80, her family announced on Tuesday.
- Her nephew Brian Seaver announced the news in a video posted on her Instagram, stating, "Rest in peace, Aunt Dolly — Aunt, Granny, Gigi. May God bless Dolly Parton, and may God bless you all. She will always love you."
- Dollywood's website crashed due to high traffic following the announcement of her death, becoming inaccessible for more than two hours.
- The park announced it would be open Wednesday, quoting, "the show must go on," in a statement reflecting Parton's wishes.
- Parton sold over 100 million records and won 11 Grammy Awards, making her one of the bestselling musical performers of all time.
- Dollywood, opened in 1986, became the biggest ticketed tourist attraction in Tennessee, anchoring a 150-acre destination.
- In May, Parton canceled a Las Vegas show and revealed she was undergoing treatment for kidney stones, stating, "my immune system and my digestive system got all out of whack over the past couple three years."
- On Friday, Parton acknowledged losing a step after her husband Carl Dean died in March 2025 but insisted she wasn't ready to leave the stage.
Dolly Parton, the iconic country music star and philanthropist, passed away at 80, leaving behind a legacy of music, philanthropy, and joy.1
Her nephew, Brian Seaver, shared the news in a heartfelt video, stating, This video announcement is something Dolly asked of me years ago...23
Parton, known for her warmth and wisdom, sold over 100 million records and won 11 Grammy Awards during her illustrious career.
As a businesswoman, she amassed an estimated $650 million fortune and maintained creative control in a male-dominated industry.
Her philanthropic efforts included the Dollywood Foundation, which has mailed over 300 million books to children worldwide.78
In a statement, Dollywood expressed their sorrow, saying, With heavy hearts, the Dollywood family mourns the passing of our beloved Dreamer-in-Chief, Dolly Parton...
The park will open Wednesday, honoring her wish that the show must go on. 5
Parton’s death prompted President Trump to order flags at half-staff nationwide, reflecting her impact on the entertainment world and beyond.
Her legacy will continue to inspire generations, as she once said, Dolly s heart was as vast as the mountains she cherished...
“Parton's nephew Brian Seaver announced her death in a video, saying she 'lived in the light and is in the arms of Jesus.' President Trump ordered flags lowered to half-staff for a week, and Dollywood's website crashed for over two hours due to high traffic.”
