Country music icon Dolly Parton has died at the age of 80, her nephew confirmed Tuesday, prompting an outpouring of tributes from Hollywood stars including Jamie Lee Curtis, Oprah Winfrey, Sarah Jessica Parker and Pedro Pascal.
The legendary singer died on Tuesday morning after being admitted to Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville on Friday with autoimmune and kidney problems, according to TMZ.
Parton's passing followed months of health issues that forced her to pull out of a string of public appearances. Loved ones raced to Nashville upon hearing of her hospitalization, though not all were able to reach her while she was alive. Family insiders indicated a private service for close friends and relations will be held in Nashville within the next few days.
Her nephew, Bryan Seaver, who also acted as her head of security, confirmed her death in an Instagram video. "This video announcement is something Dolly asked of me years ago before I fully absorbed it as a future reality," Seaver said.
He hailed his aunt for having "lived in the light" and said she was now "in the arms of Jesus" and the company of her parents, "countless others who have watched her and longed to meet her in the heavens," and her late husband, Carl Thomas Dean. Parton and Dean were married for almost 59 years before his death in March 2025.
Seaver recalled joining Parton on tour as a child in the 1980s, sharing that she "opened doors not just for me but for her entire family to reach the potential we didn’t even know was possible."
He characterized her as "a farmer, just like her daddy," noting that while her father farmed the soil, "she farmed songs and happiness."
"Dolly called me and said she wants to rest in a beautiful bed of plush cotton because after a life of wearing heavy rhinestones, she finally deserves to be comfortable and have some rest," Seaver added.
Hollywood pays tribute
Parton, often referred to as the Queen of Country, enjoyed a music career that spanned six decades and was best known for hits like "Jolene" and "9 to 5." Her death prompted tributes from across the entertainment industry, as well as from politicians and media heavyweights.
Curtis shared an Instagram photograph of herself cuddled up with Parton. "They say don't meet your heroes," the actress wrote. "Her bravery to know that she was more than they thought she was and that she needed to break away and move on into new work and new possibilities led her to write I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU, as her way of thanking and loving, but moving on. She is a great example for us all."
Winfrey posted a picture of herself with Parton on the set of the country legend's variety show, "Dolly." The media mogul wrote: "One of my fondest memories with @dollyparton: Having a hoot and a holler while wearing Bob Mackie gowns on her show Dolly."
Winfrey added: "This girl from the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee dreamed a life and then lived a life bigger than she could have ever imagined, giving so generously to others in ways we saw and ways we didn’t. No one like her. She brought the light, and we are all better because she was here. God bless you, Dolly, you earned your wings [wings emoji]."
Parker, who revealed she had never met Parton but admired her from afar, wrote on social media: "I never met @dollyparton but my gosh, did I love her. I don’t think any of us had to know her to love her. One of the greatest this country ever produced. Legend. For real. Forever."
Pascal shared an old black and white photograph of the "Jolene" singer, writing: "One of one. We must make more."
"A true icon"
Reality star Khloe Kardashian posted an emotional tribute to her Instagram Stories. "My sweet Dolly. You are with your hubby who I know you missed immensely," Kardashian wrote. "I know that you are with your creator. God has you wrapped in His Arms. God bless you forever and always. Thank you for everything."
Paris Hilton shared a photograph alongside Parton, describing her as an "idol" and "inspiration." Hilton wrote: "Heartbroken to hear about Queen @dollyparton's passing [crying and heartbroken emojis] She was a true icon and such an inspiration to me."
Hilton added: "Her talent, heart and kindess touched so many lives, and she truly felt left this world better than she found it [tears welling up in eyes while smiling and sparkle emojis] Sending all my love to her family, friends, and everyone who loved her. Rest in peace, Dolly [white heart and dove emojis]."
Sally Field shared a photograph of the cast of the film "Steel Magnolias," which included Parton, Julia Roberts, and Shirley MacLaine. Field captioned the image on Instagram: "Dolly is gone and my heart is so broken. I grew up on her music. I knew every song by heart. I still do. She was there for the best days of my life and the worst ones, and she never even knew it. That’s what she did for millions of us."
The post continued: "Then I got to know her, and somehow she was more than the legend. She gave our Courage and Civility award its meaning, not the other way around. She said she’d always tried to put her money where her heart is."
The Fight Club actress continued: "Her heart was with kids. It always was. Free books in the mail to children who had none, month after month, for thirty years, because her dad never learned to read. The songs will keep playing. We all know the words. Thank you, Dolly. I will always love you."
Country singer Maren Morris posted a video of herself backstage at a concert with Parton. "There will never be another. @dollyparton was who we could all agree on and she was such a light," the "My Church" singer wrote.
Additional tributes came from musicians Reba McEntire, Kelly Clarkson, Barbra Streisand, Kacey Musgraves, Carrie Underwood, Mick Jagger, and Jack White; actors Reese Witherspoon, Zoe Saldana, Hugh Jackman, Rachel Zegler, Brooke Shields, and Goldie Hawn; and iconic fashion designer Bob Mackie, who shared a post of Parton in one of his creations.
Heidi Klum shared a 2001 clip of herself and Parton on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno," Eminem posted a personal letter he received from the singer, and Lauren Sanchez, wife of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, shared a photograph posing with the music legend. The Instagram account of the late actor Leslie Jordan also shared a tribute to the singer.
