Country music legend Dolly Parton passes away at 80
By Andrew Olson
Published:
Legendary country music superstar Dolly Parton has passed away at the age of 80.
The stunning news was delivered in a video message posted to her official social media accounts. Parton’s passing comes just days after delivering a health update in which she said there was more she still hoped to accomplish.
A message from the family of Dolly Parton. pic.twitter.com/9DNRgRx0uH
— Dolly Parton (@DollyParton) August 25, 2026
The beloved “Queen of Country Music,” Parton was also an accomplished actress and launched The Dollywood Company, which operated theme parks, a dinner theater, a water park and more.
Born in 1946 in Pittman Center, Tennessee, Parton was a vocal supporter of the Tennessee Volunteers.
I said it's great to be a Tennessee Vol! What a win last night. If I wasn't out of town it would have been a treat to have been there, and I heard there were some rumors that I would be. Nobody was more disappointed than me to not be there. GBO! 🧡
— Dolly Parton (@DollyParton) October 16, 2022
Parton memorably attended Tennessee’s home game against the Georgia Bulldogs in 2023, singing Rocky Top on the field at Neyland Stadium.
Peyton Manning and Dolly Parton walk out into the field together at the end of the first quarter
— Ric Butler (@Ric_Butler) November 18, 2023
“Tennessee, I will always love you”
Parton sings Rocky Top with the Tennessee band. pic.twitter.com/RNbDrdnsRW
Parton also released a special collection of Tennessee-themed merchandise, including a “Vols Edition” of her album “Rockstar,” which featured a live version of “Rocky Top.”
Attention all @Vol_Football fans! My exclusive Vols Edition ‘Rockstar’ 2-CD set including a live version of “Rocky Top” is available for pre-order now 🧡 https://t.co/ojLW61iMwH pic.twitter.com/zYAThuyMPo
— Dolly Parton (@DollyParton) September 27, 2023
Parton lost her husband, Carl Dean, in March 2025.
Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaign of Fred Taylor.
