Dolly Parton Dead at 80: See the Country Music Legend's Life in Photos

From humble beginnings in Tennessee to becoming one of country music's most beloved icons, Dolly Parton built a career that spanned decades.

The "Jolene" singer was born on January 18, 1946, and grew up as one of 12 children in a small one-bedroom home in Pittman Center, Tenn.

Parton lived a "simple childhood chasing the beauty of butterflies, listening to Appalachian folklore and ancient ballads passed down by her relatives," according to her official biography.

Her musical talent was evident from a young age, with her mother encouraging her passion for music. She began writing songs at five and made her debut on the Grand Ole Opry's stage at 13.

The Tennessee native signed her first record deal in 1965, but didn't ascend to superstardom until after 1974, following the release of her hit single "I Will Always Love You."

In the 1980s, Parton added being a movie star to her resume. She starred alongside Jane Fonda and Lilly Tomlin in the film 9 to 5.

During this decade, the musician also opened Dollywood, a theme park located in Pigeon Forge, Tenn., which remains in operation today.

Though Parton's talents put her on the map, she was also known for her generosity.

She founded the Imagination Library in 1995. Inspired by her father, who never learned to read, the initiative has donated more than 300 million free books to children around the globe.

Parton's career continued to soar as she sold out arenas and stadiums around the world

In 2014, the singer performed for the biggest audience of her career at England's Glastonbury Festival, where 140,000 people attended her show.

Parton was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2022. Two years later, Billboard named her the #1 Country Music Artist of All-Time.

She had previously been inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1999.

Parton's death was announced by her nephew on August 25, 2026.

"I am representing the Parton and Owens family today, announcing the passing of my Aunt Dolly Rebecca Parton Dean," Bryan Seaver, the son of Dolly's sister Cassie Parton. "Dolly opened doors for generations of singers, songwriters, musicians and dreamers from every walk of life and across every continent. By her example, we believed that everything was possible .... Rest in peace, Aunt Dolly."

The singer had faced health issues in the months leading up to her death and was hospitalized for "kidney and autoimmune issues" just five days before her passing.