August 25, 2026 – Radio 854 Music News:

Dolly Parton Dies at 80: Country Music Loses One of Its Greatest Icons

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE — August 25, 2026 — Dolly Parton, the legendary country singer, songwriter, actress and philanthropist whose music touched generations around the world, has died at the age of 80.

Parton died peacefully in Nashville on Tuesday, August 25, her family announced. She leaves behind an extraordinary legacy spanning more than six decades, with countless hit songs, major film roles, business ventures and an enormous body of charitable work.

Born on January 19, 1946, in Tennessee, Parton grew up in a large family in modest circumstances. Her childhood in the Great Smoky Mountains would later inspire some of her most beloved songs. She began performing at a remarkably young age and moved to Nashville shortly after graduating from high school.

Her breakthrough came in the 1960s, and her career soon developed into one of the most remarkable stories in popular music. Parton became known not only for her distinctive voice and songwriting, but also for her unmistakable personality, glamorous appearance and quick sense of humor.

Among her most famous songs are “Jolene,” “9 to 5,” “Coat of Many Colors,” “Here You Come Again” and “I Will Always Love You.” The latter became an international phenomenon when Whitney Houston recorded it for The Bodyguard soundtrack in 1992.

Parton was much more than a country music star. She successfully crossed over into film, starring alongside Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin in 9 to 5 and appearing in the much-loved film Steel Magnolias. She also became a successful businesswoman through ventures including Dollywood in Tennessee.

A legacy beyond music

Dolly Parton’s influence extended far beyond entertainment. Through her Dollywood Foundation and Imagination Library, she helped provide free books to children around the world, making childhood literacy one of the central causes of her philanthropic work. Her generosity also extended to disaster relief, medical research and numerous community initiatives.

Throughout her career, Parton received some of the highest honors in music and entertainment. She was inducted into both the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and received numerous Grammy Awards, including a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Her death comes after months in which she had spoken publicly about health challenges and had taken time away from some of her professional commitments. No specific cause of death has been officially disclosed.

Dolly Parton leaves behind a catalogue of music that will continue to be heard for generations. From the intimate stories of her Tennessee upbringing to worldwide hits that became part of popular culture, her songs connected with audiences across countries and generations.

For millions of fans, Dolly Parton was more than the “Queen of Country Music.” She represented kindness, resilience, humor and an unmistakable belief in the power of music to bring people together.

Radio 854 remembers Dolly Parton — an extraordinary artist, songwriter and human being whose voice and songs will never be forgotten.