Dolly Parton, the country-music icon who made metal connections on 2023’s Rockstar solo album, has passed away at the age of 80.
The legendary entertainer’s death was confirmed by a video statement from her family, posted to socials earlier today (August 25th), though a cause of death is yet to be revealed. (UPDATE 8/25/26: Representatives for Parton later confirmed that she passed following a brief battle with cancer)
“I have imagined the heaviness of the moment but haven’t truly felt it until now,” said her nephew and head of security, Brian Seaver. “It is an honor, an honor that is mixed with absolute pride and great sadness. But sadness lies with us, not with Dolly.”
Dolly Rebecca Parton was born in Little Pigeon River, Tennessee, in 1946. Her first single was 1959’s “Puppy Love,” recorded when she was 13-years-old. It would be the beginning of a 60-year career that would include more than 200 singles (including numerous number ones) and 49 studio albums. Early on, she produced a prolific run of singles with Porter Wagoner. Her biggest hits, solo or otherwise, included “Jolene,” “I Will Always Love You,” her “Islands in the Stream” duet with Kenny Rogers, working-class anthem “9 to 5” and more.
Parton was a pop culture icon across the board. On top of her music career, she maintained a celebrated film career including appearances in 9 to 5 and Steel Magnolias and clocked countless TV appearances. She opened her Dollywood amusement park just outside of Knoxville, Tennessee, in 1986. She was also a known philanthropist, having launched a children’s literacy campaign through The Dollywood Foundation.
Parton crossed over into the rock and metal worlds earlier this decade after being nominated to be included in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. She’d initially rescinded her nomination, believing she hadn’t “earned the right,” but was the officially inducted into the Hall later that year. Judas Priest vocalist Rob Halford sang “Jolene” with Parton during the ceremony.
In 2023, Parton announced she’d made a double album titled Rockstar, which featured rock guitars, covers of Lynyrd Skynrd and Queen songs, and contributions from Halford, Mötley Crüe’s Nikki Sixx and John 5, former Bon Jovi guitarist Richie Sambora, Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr and many more. It was the final Dolly Parton studio album to be released in her lifetime.
“She has always been on your television, your record player, your CD, and on your phone playlist, becoming an extended part of your family whether you liked it or not,” Seaver continued. “Our family and the team she has entrusted with her legacy will work diligently to ensure her spirit will live with us forever.”
Revolver sends our deepest condolences to Parton’s family, friends and fans.