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Dolly Parton Dies at 80 in Nashville

8/26/2026

Summary

Dolly Parton Dies

Dolly Parton died at age 80 on Aug. 25, 2026 at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville.
Publicist Marcel Pariseau said she died peacefully surrounded by loved ones.
Nephew Bryan Seaver announced her death in an Instagram video the same day.
President Donald Trump ordered U.S. flags at half-staff through sunset on Sept. 1 in her honor.
She had been hospitalized Aug. 21 for kidney and autoimmune issues, with cancer type undisclosed.

Summary

Dolly Parton Philanthropy

Dolly Parton received the Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy in 2022 for her charitable work.
She contributed $1 million early in the pandemic to fund Moderna’s research that helped develop the COVID-19 vaccine.
The Imagination Library, founded by Parton, has delivered over 150 million free books to children in five countries.
Parton’s disaster relief donations exceed $12 million, aiding victims of hurricanes, wildfires, and other emergencies.

Summary

Dollywood Fuels Appalachia

Dollywood draws hundreds of thousands of tourists year, serving as an economic engine in Appalachia.
Dolly Parton took Silver Dollar City in 1986, renamed it Dollywood, and doubled size over decades.
Dollywood added a spa, cabin complex, theatre-restaurant, and waterpark, broadening its attractions.
In 2022 Dollywood pledged to pay full tuition and fees for any employee seeking a degree.
Imagination Library now distributes nearly 25 million books annually in five countries.

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Dolly Parton Dies

Dolly Parton died at age 80 on Aug. 25, 2026 at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville.
Publicist Marcel Pariseau said she died peacefully surrounded by loved ones.
Nephew Bryan Seaver announced her death in an Instagram video the same day.
President Donald Trump ordered U.S. flags at half-staff through sunset on Sept. 1 in her honor.
She had been hospitalized Aug. 21 for kidney and autoimmune issues, with cancer type undisclosed.

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