Team Dolly released an official statement. The team shared that their beloved Dolly Parton spent her life and career bringing joy, laughter, hope and integrity into everything she touched. Her unmatched generosity reached the lives of countless people whom she would never meet. She was always there to offer a helping hand.
Team Dolly’s statement read: “Our beloved Dolly Parton spent her life and career bringing joy, laughter, hope and integrity into everything she touched. Her unmatched generosity reached the lives of countless people whom she would never meet, yet she was always there to offer a helping hand.”
“Whether it be the hundreds of millions of books donated through her invaluable Imagination Library or funding research that helped create a lifesaving vaccine used around the world, Dolly’s unconditional love for all people was the guiding force for her lasting impact,” it continued.
“After bravely facing a brief battle with cancer, Dolly departed her Earthly life today at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center surrounded by loved ones,” the statement concluded.
Dolly Parton’s nephew Bryan Seaver also released a statement. He said, “Hey everyone, my name is Bryan Seaver, son of Cassie Parton, and I am representing the Parton and Owens family today, announcing the passing of my aunt Dolly Rebecca Parton Dean, sister, sis, Aunt Granny to one generation, and Gigi to the next.”
“This video announcement is something Dolly asked of me years ago, before I fully absorbed it as a future reality,” Bryan added. “As her head of security for more than two decades, a role my father Larry held before me, I have imagined the heaviness of this moment, but haven’t truly felt it until now. It is an honor, an honor that is mixed with absolute pride and great sadness. But sadness lies with us, not with Dolly. Dolly has lived in the light, and is in the arms of Jesus, surely met by Carl, her parents, and countless others who have watched her and longed for her to meet them in the heavens.”
“My family and I have shared a lifetime of beautiful memories with Dolly, but so have you,” he explained. “She has always been on your television, your record player, your CD, and on your phone playlist, becoming an extended part of your family, whether you liked it or not. Our family and the team she has entrusted with her legacy will work diligently to ensure her spirit will live with us forever.”
“Dolly was a farmer, just like her daddy,” Bryan continued. “He 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 wearing heavy rhinestones, she finally deserves to be comfortable and have some rest. Rest in peace, Aunt Dolly, Aunt Granny, Gigi. My God bless Dolly Parton, and may God bless you all. She will always love you.”
The news marks the end of an extraordinary career in country music. Her work as a singer, songwriter and philanthropist touched fans across generations and left a permanent cultural legacy.
Her Imagination Library had gifted more than 314 million books by March 2026. The program was mailing over 3.4 million books each month to children in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia and the Republic of Ireland.
Parton donated $1 million to Vanderbilt University Medical Center in 2020. That gift supported early COVID-19 research connected to Moderna’s vaccine development.
Research on the Imagination Library has shown clear benefits for young readers. Participating children often develop stronger early literacy skills, including better vocabulary and phonological awareness.
The family announced on August 25, 2026, that Dolly Parton had died at age 80. The announcement came through a video message posted on her Instagram account.
