American country music icon Dolly Parton died at 80, prompting tributes from fans and fellow artists across Canada and the United States.
The iconic American singer‑songwriter, actress and humanitarian became one of the most beloved entertainment figures in the world.
Widely considered the Queen of Country, Parton was known for her glamorous outfits featuring thousands of rhinestones, her impressive wigs, heavy makeup and form‑fitting jumpsuits.
She wrote over 3,000 songs and sold more than 100 million records globally.
Career highlights
Some of her biggest hits include 9 to 5, Jolene, I Will Always Love You and Coat of Many Colours.
In a video on Instagram, her nephew Brian Seaver announced the death, saying: "My name is Brian Seaver, son of Cassie Parton, and I'm representing the Parton and Owens family today announcing the passing of my aunt, Dolly Rebecca Parton Dean.
"Sister, sis and 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.
"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."
Mr Seaver added: "It is an honour, an honour 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 to meet her in the heavens."
The US singer‑songwriter was forced to postpone her Las Vegas residency at the end of last year as she dealt with unspecified health issues.
She later revealed that she needed "a few procedures" to address ongoing "health challenges", while her sister Freida Parton sparked concern after asking fans to keep Dolly in their prayers.
"Last night, I was up all night praying for my sister, Dolly," Freida Parton wrote on Facebook in October. "Many of you know she hasn't been feeling her best lately."
Parton's husband Carl Dean, to whom she was married 59 years, died last year.
The musician wrote I Will Always Love You, one of the defining love songs of the 20th century, as a goodbye to her former creative partner Porter Wagoner, who hired her to be his sidekick on The Porter Wagoner Show and helped her land a record deal.
The song became a blockbuster hit when Whitney Houston recorded a cover for the 1992 film The Bodyguard.
Parton's own film career began in 1980 when she starred in 9 To 5 with Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda.
Her theme song for the movie became her first number one single on the Hot 100 chart in the US.
Canadian impact
In Canada, her Imagination Library program has provided books to thousands of children, reinforcing her commitment to literacy north of the border.
Canadian country artists, including Shania Twain, have cited Parton as a major influence on their careers.
Her songs regularly receive airplay on Canadian radio, reflecting her enduring popularity here.
Following her death, Dolly Parton's PR team issued a statement: "Global icon and humanitarian, Dolly Parton, known to the world as a beloved singer, songwriter, philanthropist, actress, playwright, and author died peacefully today in Nashville, Tennessee. She was 80 years old.
"Dolly is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 59 years Carl Thomas Dean (1942-2025), her mother Avie Lee Caroline Owens (1923-2003), and father Robert Lee Parton, Sr. (1921-2000)."
"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."