Dolly Parton has died. The music world mourns the queen of country

Country music legend Dolly Parton died yesterday aged 80 at her home in Nashville, Tennessee, following “a brief battle with cancer”. This was reported by the American media, citing the musician’s staff, who had spoken openly about the health issues she had faced over the past two years, particularly following the death of her husband Carl Dean in March 2025. The announcement of her death was made by her family via a video message posted by her grandson, Bryan Seaver, on the singer’s social media accounts. US President Donald Trump has ordered flags to be flown at half-mast across the United States for a week in honour of Parton. “It is a true loss for millions of people. There has never been anyone like her and there never will be… Rest in peace, Dolly! The world loves you,” he wrote.

Over a career spanning more than half a century, Dolly Parton has written over 3,000 songs in which she has captured the essence of the American spirit like few other artists. Among her greatest hits are ‘Coat of Many Colours’, a tender ode to her mother, and love songs such as ‘Jolene’ and ‘I Will Always Love You’. ‘9 to 5’, the title track of the film of the same name in which Parton also starred, has become an anthem for American women and workers. Parton has released 49 albums and won 11 Grammys, becoming one of the most successful country musicians of all time. Among her various philanthropic initiatives, Parton also launched a library programme that has donated over 300 million books to children around the world. 

The news of her passing has prompted a long series of messages of condolence from musicians, actors and public figures. “A world without Dolly doesn’t seem possible, real or fair,” said pop star Taylor Swift, emphasising how the singer’s legacy will live on through the “countless lives” she helped to change. For Swift, Parton represented “a unique combination of grace, determination, generosity and strength”. Billy Ray Cyrus, a long-standing friend of Parton’s and father of Miley Cyrus – for whom the singer was godmother – offered a particularly personal tribute. Cyrus recalled their first meeting in 1992 and the bond they had built over the years, describing Parton as “a constant presence” in his life and that of his family. Beyoncé, who had collaborated with Parton on the album "Cowboy Carter", also paid tribute to the singer for her artistry, generosity, humour and entrepreneurial spirit, describing her as "unique and one of a kind". Condolences have also come from the world of cinema. Jane Fonda, who co-starred with Parton in the film “9 to 5” (1980), wrote that she was “devastated” by the news, emphasising how the singer had been a “powerful, generous and playful” presence who had left an indelible mark on the lives and hearts of millions of people. "There will never be another Dolly," wrote Reba McEntire, whilst Keith Urban admitted he had no words to describe his grief at the loss of his colleague.