I can’t even believe I’m typing this right now. announced this afternoon, the one and only icon herself and queen of country music, Dolly Parton, has passed away at 80 years old in Nashville, Tennessee. She is of course 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). Dolly had been dealing with some major health issues, which she recently updated the public on during a Dollywood announcement. Her team shared the following statement: “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.” Dolly lost her longtime husband Carl Dean, in May of last year, and they had been together for nearly 60 years, and they shared a very long and happy marriage, though Dean purposefully remained out of the spotlight, a dynamic that certainly worked for them. Fans know that Dolly grew up very poor (well, money-wise), in the mountains of east Tennessee. She’s become a beloved musician because she’s obviously an incredible talent in the music world, but I think it’s safe to say that what most people admire about her is what an amazing person she is. Through philanthropic efforts like her Imagination Library Foundation, giving back is always at the top of her to-do list. Dolly had 11 brothers and sisters, though she always notes how much love they had in their family, even if everybody in their area was poor with three o’s. She spoke throughout her life about the struggles that they faced as children, and how hard her parents worked to provide what they could, and she kept that down-to-earth, salt of the earth demeanor with her throughout her life. The family has understandably not revealed exactly what happened, though Dolly herself had previously shared that she struggled with kidney stones and had initially cited that as her reason for taking a break from work when she first announced it last year. At Dolly’s request, a small, private service will be held for immediate family. Dolly’s fans and friends from around the world are encouraged to pay tribute to Dolly on social media by tagging @DollyParton or by leaving a message at www.dollyparton.com. In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations to be made to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library at www.imaginationlibrary.com. Her family also shared the following statement: View this post on Instagram RIP Dolly Parton. There will never, ever be another one like her.The post Country Icon Dolly Parton Passes Away at 80 first appeared on Whiskey Riff.