Country music icon Dolly Parton has died at age 80, her nephew and head of security Bryan Seaver said in a video message posted on the musician’s Instagram page, just days after she told People Magazine she was dealing with “hard times with my health” following the death of her husband in 2025.
Key Facts
Parton, who was born to farmers in Tennessee in 1946, became one of the most decorated singer-songwriters in Nashville history, winning 10 Grammy Awards, two Oscars, a National Medal of the Arts and achieving Kennedy Center Honors in 2006.
Seaver, the son of Dolly’s sister Cassie Parton, said his aunt asked him “years ago” to be the person to announce her death, after serving as her head of security for over 20 years, a task he called “an honor that is mixed with absolute pride and great sadness.”
The family did not immediately reveal her cause of death, but Parton previously told People Magazine she was “dealing with some health issues that I just didn’t pay attention to when I was watching over Carl,” her husband who died last year.
Forbes Valuation
Before her death, Forbes estimated Parton’s net worth at approximately $450 million. Although most famous for her music, Parton’s wealth primarily came from her stake in Dollywood, the theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, she first invested in in 1986. Parton made Forbes’ list of wealthiest self-made women five times in a row, and was most recently ranked 78 on the list in 2025.
Big Number
100 million. That’s how many records Parton sold, according to the artist’s own website. She put out 49 studio albums over the course of her career, with over two dozen registered Gold or Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America. Her success transcended generations, with millions of listeners in the streaming era. Parton has an average 16.2 million monthly Spotify listeners, according to the streaming service, while her most-streamed song, the 1973 single “Jolene,” has been streamed over 950 million times.
Parton’s death was announced by her nephew in a video message posted on her Instagram account.
Redferns
Key Background
Fans had been concerned about Parton’s health for months before her death. She postponed shows in Las Vegas last year, but insisted in an Instagram message, “I ain’t dead yet!” She later missed public appearances, including her 80th birthday celebration at the Grand Ole Opry in January. In May, she canceled another Las Vegas residency over health issues, telling fans she was still feeling “a little swimmy headed” despite responding well to treatment and “improving every day.”
Want to see more Forbes articles on your feed? Tap here to make Forbes Australia a preferred source on Google.
Look back on the week that was with hand-picked articles from Australia and around the world. Sign up to the Forbes Australia newsletter here or become a member here.
