The country music world – and the world at large – is heartbroken after learning that the “Queen of Country Music” herself, Dolly Parton, passed away at the age of 80.
Parton was easily the most beloved person on the planet (there’s statistics to back that up), and her talent as a singer and songwriter led her to also become known as a philanthropist, actress, playwright, and author. Sadly, the “9 to 5” singer passed away peacefully today in her home state of Tennessee.
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). Dolly had been dealing with some major health issues since last year, which she recently updated the public on during a Dollywood announcement last week.
Her team shared the following statement about her death:
“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 that made us all feel like family.
Dolly Parton’s legacy is one of love, compassion, and resilience. With a seven-decade career, she inspired multiple generations of artists and fans with her music and an unwavering commitment to making the world a better place. Her songs will continue to resonate with people of all ages, and her philanthropic work will have a lasting impact.”
Such a heartbreaking and crushing loss.
Tributes have been pouring in from the country music world since the news broke. There’s not a country music artist out there that wasn’t influenced by Dolly Parton in some form or fashion, and some of the biggest names in the industry are taking to social media to send their condolences:
Reba McEntire
“Well, I just got the news that my buddy Dolly passed onto the higher and greater side. Dolly, thank you for all the wonderful things you did for us here on earth. Your love, your music and you gave so much with your huge huge heart. There will never ever be another you. We will remember and cherish every memory and every note you ever played and sang. Thank you, Lord, for Dolly. She’s gonna have a blast in heaven singing all her favorite songs with all her family and friends who have gone on before her. I’ll never forget the first time I met you and I’ll never forget our last conversation. I hold it with love in my heart. I will always love you,
Reba.”
George Strait
“You’ve had such a huge impact on so many people all over the world, Dolly Parton. We will all miss you. May God bless the Parton family.”
Red Clay Strays
“We have a bridge back home that you cross on I65 right before you get into Mobile, nicknamed the ‘Dolly Parton’ bridge. Dolly always reminded us of gettin’ home after a long run. She went home today; one of the most influential writers and performers of our time. RIP Dolly.”
Kacey Musgraves
“Dolly… this really really hurts. The world feels a lot less sparkly all of the sudden. So glad she’s with her Carl Dean. No one talk to me today.”
Maren Morris
“There will never be another. Dolly Parton was who we could all agree on. She was and is such a light.”
Charley Crockett
“Thanks for everything Dolly Parton.”
Pecos & The Rooftops
“Devastating news. Thank you for pouring your life into songwriting and making music for us. RIP to a one of a kind legend.”
Charles Wesley Godwin
“Rest in peace Dolly.”
Treaty Oak Revival
“RIP Dolly.”
Big & Rich
Jamey Johnson
“In the sweet by and by, we shall meet on that beautiful shore.”
Mark Wystrach of Midland
“Grateful to have gotten to spend some time with you and tell you how much your music meant to My Mom, My Siblings and Me growing up. Thank you for the music. Rest in peace Dolly. “Eagle When She Flies” was the song that got my Mom thru losing her Mom. It was their favorite song that they shared as an unspoken pact.”
Willow Avalon
“I don’t think I’ll ever be able to put into words how much Dolly meant to me, but I’m going to try. I grew up listening to her songbird voice, learning from her soft but firm writing, her beautiful sass and her undeniable charisma. She was a woman who knew what love really meant and she showed that in the many ways she poured her heart into charity and helping out where she could. She is an icon who can never be replaced. I’ve watched the women in my family ( and the men) all light up when her songs came on. She was universally loved.
As a little girl I wanted to be just like her, the bigger the hair the better, the more sparkles the better and I can say she was a huge part of my music and my songs. I think that’s evident given the fact I wrote a song about all the ways I thought we were alike and apologizing from Jolene’s point of view. She fostered creativity in people and showed people what true talent looked like.
I’m forever grateful for her gift to this world and her gift to me. Which was her music finding its way to the ears of a little girl with big big dreams. And continuously being a stand up role model for girls like me. She will never be forgotten and she will be that role model for generations to come. I love you Dolly. You are soo loved. Rest easy knowing all the good and light you’ve brought into this dark world.”
Billy Strings
“Beautiful angel on Earth, beautiful angel in heaven. She graced the world and now she’s gone on to take her spot in the angel band. I only wish I could hear the sound. Thank you Dolly. We will always love you.”
Blake Shelton
“I can say with absolute certainty that we are all feeling the same heart brokenness today. I only got to spend any real time with Dolly when Gwen and I got to work with her on The Voice. I want everyone to know that she was the EXACT person that you think she is. It was like being with the funnest, most loving, most caring and closest member of your family. Truly a loss for the entire world. We love you Dolly.”
Paul Cauthen
“RIP you beautiful legend. God bless you and your family.”
Even…
Wheeler Walker Jr.
“Rest in peace to one of the best to ever do it.”
The “Queen of Country Music” certainly left an impact that will resonate through country music for the rest of time.
It is truly impossible to sum up everything Dolly has done and what she means to this world beyond just her music, but the family summed it up beautifully with this additional statement after her passing:
“Dolly Parton’s life is a testament to dreaming big, believing in yourself, and lifting up others. Beyond her musical achievements, Dolly Parton was a trailblazer for artists in the entertainment industry. She broke barriers and defied expectations, becoming one of the most successful and influential singer-songwriters of all time.”
At Dolly’s request, a small, private service will be held for immediate family. Dolly’s fans and friends from around the world are encouraged to pay tribute to Dolly on social media by tagging “@DollyParton” or by leaving a message at www.dollyparton.com. In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations to be made to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library at www.imaginationlibrary.com, the charity she started in honor of her father, who never learned to read or write but as she put it, was one of the smartest men she ever knew.
RIP Dolly Parton.
