Country music icon Dolly Parton has died at the age of 79. Her spokesperson confirmed that she passed away on Tuesday at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center after bravely facing a brief battle with the disease.
In response to the news, President Trump issued a statement on social media, declaring that he would be lowering the American flag throughout the United States for one week to honor her memory. Reflecting on her singular impact, he wrote, “There has never been anyone like her, and never will,” adding that her death represents a true loss for millions of people.
The announcement of her passing was first shared by her nephew, Bryan Seaver, who served as her head of security. In a prerecorded video, Seaver expressed the family’s profound grief, noting that while they feel great sadness, they take comfort in the belief that she has moved on to a peaceful place. “Dolly has lived in the light and is in the arms of Jesus,” he said.
Tennessee’s political leadership also paid tribute to the state’s most famous daughter. Senator Bill Hagerty described her as a “true Tennessee treasure” who never lost sight of her faith or her roots. Senator Marsha Blackburn echoed these sentiments, stating that Parton’s death leaves a void that cannot be filled, while Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear praised her enduring legacy, particularly through her philanthropic efforts.
Beyond her musical achievements, Parton was widely recognized for her humanitarian work. Senator Bernie Sanders highlighted her lifelong commitment to advocacy, noting her contributions to literacy, healthcare, LGBTQ+ rights, and disaster relief. Her signature project, the Imagination Library, was founded in 1995 to honor her father, who struggled with illiteracy. The program has since distributed millions of books globally, reaching children across the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Australia, and Ireland.
The entertainment industry has also united in mourning. Actor Julia Roberts, who starred alongside Parton in “Steel Magnolias,” remembered her as a “magical and joyous human,” remarking that the world feels less bright today. Similarly, Billy Ray Cyrus shared personal memories of their long friendship, recalling how Parton once humorously dismissed tabloid rumors about them by noting that such gossip only helped sell records.
Other collaborators expressed their heartbreak, including Blake Shelton, who worked with Parton on “The Voice.” Shelton described her as the most loving and caring person one could hope to meet, calling her death a loss for the entire world. Reba McEntire thanked Parton for her immense contributions to music and humanity, while Linda Ronstadt, who recorded the “Trio” albums with Parton and Emmylou Harris, stated that the world is a poorer place without her.
Kacey Musgraves also took to social media to share her grief, noting that the world feels significantly less “sparkly” following the news. In New York City, officials announced that the Empire State Building would be illuminated in pink on Tuesday night as a tribute to her life and career.
Parton’s death comes just months after the loss of her husband of 60 years, Carl Dean, who passed away in March 2025 at age 82. The couple first met in 1964 outside a Nashville laundromat on the very day Parton arrived in the city. Reflecting on their long marriage at the time of his death, Parton had noted that words could not do justice to the love they shared.
To commemorate her life and career, a one-hour primetime special is scheduled to air Tuesday at 10 p.m. ET/PT on the CBS Television Network, with streaming available on Paramount+. The report also notes that where Parton was born on Jan, both senators from Tennessee. The report also notes that 19, 1946, reacted on social media and called her death a great loss to the state. The report also notes that writing, “There are no words to adequately express the sorrow our family and indeed, all Tennesseans, feel in the loss of Dolly Parton, marsha Blackburn posted a photo of her and Parton together. The report also notes that who never learned to read, Parton founded the Imagination Library in Sevier County, Tennessee, in 1995 and gave 1,700 free books to children in the first month, according to the Country Music Hall of Fame, to honor her father. The report also notes that in 2018, Parton visited the Library of Congress to donate the Imagination Library’s 100 millionth book and hosted a story time event. The report also notes that the United Kingdom, Australia and the Republic of Ireland, the book-gifting program is now in 50 states and has spread to Canada. The report also notes that but it is clear that it will continue for generations to come, there aren’t enough words to sum up the impact and legacy Dolly leaves behind.
