Dolly Parton’s team has confirmed the country music icon died following a brief battle with cancer.
Representatives for Parton, 80, confirmed in a statement on Tuesday that the legendary singer-songwriter passed away peacefully at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville, surrounded by close family and loved ones. The announcement came just hours after initial reports of her death began circulating online.
“Our beloved Dolly Parton spent her life and career bringing joy, laughter, hope and integrity into everything she touched. Her unmatched generosity reached the lives of countless people whom she would never meet, yet she was always there to offer a helping hand,” her team wrote in the official statement.
“Whether it be the hundreds of millions of books donated through her invaluable Imagination Library or funding research that helped create a lifesaving vaccine used around the world, Dolly’s unconditional love for all people was the guiding force for her lasting impact. After bravely facing a brief battle with cancer, Dolly departed her Earthly life today at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center surrounded by loved ones,” the statement concluded.
Parton’s six-decade career transformed the landscape of country and pop music, producing timeless anthems including “Jolene,” “9 to 5,” and “I Will Always Love You.” Beyond her towering musical catalog, she was universally cherished for her razor-sharp wit, self-deprecating humor, and extraordinary philanthropic work through her global book-gifting organization, the Imagination Library, which mailed more than 200 million free books to young children worldwide.
News of her passing prompted an immediate, worldwide outpouring of tributes from fellow musicians, Hollywood peers, and millions of devoted fans. Her goddaughter Miley Cyrus paid tribute in a written statement, writing: “Aunt Dolly didn’t just change music; she changed the world with pure kindness, glitter, and truth. She showed me what it means to stand tall in your own shoes, never apologize for who you are, and love people unconditionally. The world lost its brightest light, but heaven just got a whole lot more sparkle. I will always love you.”
Cyrus’ father, Billy Ray Cyrus, also shared a farewell message on social media. “Dolly recently sent me a beautiful message, telling me she loved me with her whole heart,” he wrote. “I will always love her in the same way… with my whole heart… and I always will.”
Beatles icon Sir Paul McCartney shared a lengthy statement about what he called the “magnificent star,” He wrote: “She was so bubbly and full of life it is difficult to take in the news that she has passed.”
“Her songwriting, her singing and her philanthropy were unrivalled in the world of country music and it is hard to imagine living in a world without Dolly,” McCartney continued. “She was a very clever business woman who understood the value of her music and, most importantly, the effect that she had on the people of the world.”
The former Beatle added a personal note about their musical connection: “There was no greater honour for me than to have her sing my song Let It Be and, even though I only made a small contribution to it, I am so honoured that she did it. I am so proud to have known her and admire her unique talents.”
“Thanks Dolly for the beautiful music you gave me and the whole world. We will always love you, god bless and rest in peace. You were the best,” he finished.
Parton’s family announced funeral plans in a statement posted on Instagram, revealing that “at Dolly’s request, a small, private service will be held for immediate family.” The family encouraged fans and friends from around the world to pay tribute to Parton on social media by tagging @DollyParton or by leaving a message. They also requested that donations be made to her Imagination Library in lieu of flowers.