On 25 August 2026, the music world lost one of its brightest stars. Her nephew, her head of security, read the message she had entrusted to him years ago: “Dolly lived in the light. She is now in the arms of Jesus.” Cause of death: a short battle with cancer. Trump ordered flags across America to be flown at half-mast for a week.

Cristin Tomeci (Staff: United States / Culture & Music)

A legend passes away

Dolly Parton, one of the most beloved and influential figures in country music, passed away on Tuesday, 25 August 2026, at the age of 80. The news was confirmed by her family in an emotional video message posted on the artist’s official Facebook account. According to her representatives, the singer lost a short battle with cancer, surrounded by loved ones in her final moments.

“Dolly lived in the light”

The announcement was made by her nephew, Bryan Seaver, the son of her sister Cassie Parton, who also served as her head of security for over two decades. Seaver explained that this video message was a request Dolly had entrusted to him many years ago. “It is an honour that is mixed with absolute pride and great sadness. But the sadness remains with us, not with Dolly. Dolly lived in the light and is in the arms of Jesus.”

A life story: from poverty to immortality

Born in a one-room cabin in Locust Ridge, Tennessee, in 1946, Dolly Parton was the fourth of 12 children. She began singing in church at the age of six and by 13 was already on stage at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. A career spanning over six decades, over 100 million records sold, and 10 Grammy awards transformed her into a cultural icon.

Her legacy: music, philanthropy and a heart of gold

Parton left behind an impressive musical legacy, with timeless hits such as “Jolene”, “9 to 5” and “I Will Always Love You”. She opened doors for entire generations of artists, musicians and dreamers from all over the world. Her nephew said of her: “Dolly was a farmer, just like her daddy. He farmed the soil. She farmed songs and happiness.”

Beyond the stage, she built a business empire (including the Dollywood theme park) and was renowned for her philanthropy, particularly through the “Imagination Library” programme, which provided millions of free books to children.

A final wish worthy of her

In his message, Bryan Seaver also revealed the artist’s final wish: to be laid to rest on a bed of soft cotton, “because after a life of wearing heavy rhinestones, she finally deserves to be comfortable and to rest”.

Reactions from around the world

President Donald Trump said Dolly Parton’s loss was “a real loss for millions of people” and ordered flags across America to be flown at half-mast for a week. The funeral service will be private, for immediate family, and fans are encouraged to donate in lieu of flowers to the “Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library”.

Conclusion