‘Never been anyone like her, and never will’: Dolly Parton, American music superstar, dead at 80

By Joe Kovacs

Dolly Parton (Video screenshot)
Dolly Parton

Dolly Parton, the queen of country music whose personality took her to the heights of TV and film fame, died peacefully Tuesday in Nashville, Tennessee, at the age of 80.

The official announcement came from her nephew Bryan Seaver, her head of security, on behalf of the Parton family.

“Dolly has lived in the light, and is in the arms of Jesus sure met by [her husband] Carl, her parents, and countless others who have watched her and longed for her to meet them in the heavens,” Seaver said.

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“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.”

The family’s official obituary states: “A rhinestone life that shone bright enough for the world to see, Dolly will forever stand as an inspiration not only through her timeless music and prolific songwriting, but also her wit, warmth, and kindness that made us all feel like family.

“Dolly Parton’s legacy is one of love, compassion, and resilience. With a seven-decade career, she inspired multiple generations of artists and fans with her music and an unwavering commitment to making the world a better place. Her songs will continue to resonate with people of all ages, and her philanthropic work will have a lasting impact.”

President Donald Trump ordered flags to half staff for a week to honor the national treasure, saying: “Very sad to report that Dolly Parton, one of the greatest Country singers, and far beyond, EVER, has just passed away. This is a true loss for millions of people.

“There has never been anyone like her, and never will. In her honor, I am lowering the American flag throughout the United States for a one week period beginning tonight at 6:00PM. Rest in Peace, Dolly! The World loves you.”

U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles, R-Tenn., said: “Tennessee has lost one of its brightest stars. Dolly Parton was a model Tennessean. A woman of faith, humility, generosity, and extraordinary talent who never forgot where she came from.

“Our prayers are with Dolly’s family and all those mourning this tremendous loss. Tennessee will never be the same without her.”

Don McLean, singer of the blockbuster “American Pie,” said Parton’s death is “as big as Elvis.”

“It’s a national shock of major size,” McLean told Fox News. “She’s not only beautiful but she’s so talented.”

“Just an absolute legend,” said Fox News contributor Kennedy, a veteran of MTV. “What an incredible ball of energy.”

Parton’s signature song, “I Will Always Love You,” which she penned after ending her association with Porter Wagoner in 1974, became a mega smash for Whitney Houston in 1992, spending a record-breaking 14 weeks at No. 1 on the U.S. pop charts and selling 4 million copies.

“It was Dolly’s song that she wrote for her mentor Porter Wagoner,” Kennedy noted. “And in a heartbreaking scene, she sang that song that was about him on his TV show. And it just gives you chills to this day. It has so much more meaning now because not only will we always love her, but that is a song that is so endemic and imprinted on culture.”

When asked about avoiding politics, Parton explained: “You’ll find me and my opinions in a lot of the songs. But most of it’s based on love and acceptance and lifting people up. I ask God every day to be a blessing to mankind and to uphold Him and glorify Him and that’s how I go about my day.”

“No political rallies for me. My joke is that my daddy was a Republican, my mama was a Democrat, and I’m a ‘Hypo-crat!'”

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In September 2025, Parton announced she would not do a six-show December residency at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.

“As many of you know, I have been dealing with some health challenges, and my doctors tell me that I must have a few procedures,” she wrote at the time. “As I joked with them, it must be time for my 100,000-mile check-up, although it’s not the usual trip to see my plastic surgeon! In all seriousness, given this, I am not going to be able to rehearse and put together the show that I want you to see, and the show that you deserve to see. You pay good money to see me perform, and I want to be at my best for you.”

She added, “While I’ll still be able to work on all of my projects from here in Nashville, I just need a little time to get show ready, as they say,” she continued. “And don’t worry about me quittin’ the business because God hasn’t said anything about stopping yet. But, I believe He is telling me to slow down right now so I can be ready for more big adventures with all of you. I love you and thank you for understanding.”

Parton’s website says, “to celebrate her 80th birthday, Dolly Parton is giving back with a powerful new rendition of her classic song, ‘Light of a Clear Blue Morning.’

“Featuring Lainey Wilson, Miley Cyrus, Queen Latifah, and Reba McEntire, with David Foster on piano, the release benefits pediatric cancer research at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt.”

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Joe Kovacs

Executive News Editor Joe Kovacs (@JoeKovacsNews) is the author of the best-selling book, "Reaching God Speed: Unlocking the Secret Broadcast Revealing the Mystery of Everything." His previous books include "Shocked by the Bible 2: Connecting the Dots in Scripture to Reveal the Truth They Don't Want You to Know," a follow-up to his No. 1 best-seller "Shocked by the Bible: The Most Astonishing Facts You've Never Been Told" as well as "The Divine Secret: The Awesome and Untold Truth about Your Phenomenal Destiny." He is an award-winning journalist of more than 20 years in American TV, radio and the internet, and is also a former editor at the Budapest Business Journal in Europe. Read more of Joe Kovacs's articles here.


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