Country music icon Dolly Parton has died at the age of 80 during the final week of August 2026 following a battle with cancer.
Before her death, the singer permitted her medical team to test experimental drugs on her in an effort to assist the fight against the disease.
Parton passed away on Tuesday, according to a tribute shared by her sister, who described the star as one of the most generous, thoughtful, and kind people she had ever known.
A Sister's Early Morning Tribute
Her sister recalled their longstanding routine of catching up over coffee by phone every Tuesday before sunrise while the world was still asleep.
As former farm girls who remained early risers, the two sisters used those morning calls to gossip, drink coffee, and plan for the future.
Her sister remembered how Parton would joke to her, addressing her by her nickname Tedda, that the pair accomplished more work before sunrise than most people did all day.
She expressed certainty that Parton had entered heaven on time, bringing all of her trademark sparkle and shine with her.
The Longstanding Dream for Jolene
Before her death, Parton saw one of her major musical wishes realized when Beyoncé recorded a cover of her hit 1973 song Jolene.
Parton had previously expressed her desire for the cover during an appearance on The Daily Show, stating she did not know if Beyoncé had received her message but describing her as fantastic and beautiful.
She said at the time that she loved Beyoncé's music and would be thrilled to hear a grand version of Jolene.
Parton compared her dream to Whitney Houston's famous recording of her song I Will Always Love You, hoping an artist could transform her simple songs into true anthems.
While Jolene had been recorded over the years by artists such as Olivia Newton-John and Miley Cyrus, Parton had long hoped for a version by Beyoncé.
Beyoncé's Cowboy Carter Tribute
Beyoncé fulfilled that wish in 2024 by releasing a newly interpreted version of Jolene on her eighth studio album, COWBOY CARTER.
Following the album's release, Parton publicly thanked Beyoncé in an interview with PEOPLE magazine, stating she felt honored that Beyoncé had created a completely different take on the song.
Parton explained that as a songwriter, she enjoyed hearing how different performers gave her work a personal touch and a fresh perspective.
She added that she felt very proud of Beyoncé, wished her tour great success, and noted that listeners appeared to be loving the new rendition.
