Dolly Parton dies at 80 as spokesperson confirms cancer battle

Dolly Parton, one of the legendary names in country music, died on Tuesday at the age of 80 after a brief battle with cancer.

Her publicist, Marcel Pariseau, confirmed the news and announced that the artist had died at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville, surrounded by her family and loved ones.

The singer’s death had also been announced several hours earlier by her nephew, Bryan Seaver, who said that she had died peacefully in Nashville.

With a career spanning around seven decades, Parton became one of the best-known and most beloved figures in American music. She created some of the most iconic songs in country and pop music, including “Jolene,” “9 to 5,” and “I Will Always Love You.”

Her representative praised not only Parton’s musical contribution but also her humanitarian spirit and the generosity that defined her.

Millions of children received free books through Imagination Library, her initiative to promote reading. Parton also provided significant support for scientific research, including by funding studies that contributed to the development of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Her death closes an important era for country music. As a singer, songwriter, actress, and philanthropist, Dolly Parton left an extraordinary legacy and became one of the most recognizable icons of American culture.