Watch: Audience gasps as Dolly Parton’s death is announced on stage at 9 to 5 musical The news of Dolly Parton’s death has been met with widespread heartbreak, after the country music icon died at 80 following a “brief battle” with cancer.
Everyone from Taylor Swift and Beyoncé to Eminem and Linda Ronstadt have paid tribute to Parton, describing her as “the gift that kept on giving” and saying her legacy would be “an everlasting one”.
Meanwhile, Paul McCartney also remembered Parton, saying her songwriting, singing, and philanthropy were “unrivaled in the world of country music”.
Parton’s nephew Bryan Seaver announced the news of her death on behalf of the family saying: “Dolly has lived in the light and is in the arms of Jesus.” Her representative later confirmed that she had died at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville, surrounded by loved ones.
US president Donald Trump ordered flags to fly at half-staff in the US to honour Parton, writing: “This is a true loss for millions of people. There has never been anyone like her, and never will.”
‘9 to 5’ musical spectators learn of Parton’s death at start of show Audience members at a performance of 9 to 5 The Musical could be heard gasping after they were informed of Dolly Parton ’s death by a cast member.
Spectators at Worthing Theatre in the UK appeared taken aback as the announcement was made by actor Karla Tracey, who plays Parton’s character Doralee.
Tracey told the audience: “We would like to take a moment to remember the remarkable Dolly Parton, who has sadly passed away today.”
Watch: Audience gasps as Dolly Parton’s death is announced on stage at 9 to 5 musical Jacob Stolworthy 26 August 2026 08:45
Dolly Parton’s former editor remembers ‘profoundly good and kind person’ Author and former HarperCollins editor Elissa Altman, who worked on Dolly Parton’s 1994 autobiography Dolly: My Life and Other Unfinished Business, has shared a personal account of working with the singer in the mid-1990s.
The book became a New York Times bestseller and offered Parton’s account of her childhood, career, marriage, and rise to fame.
Tributes are flowing for country superstar Dolly Parton (Rui Vieira/PA) (PA Archive) Altman wrote on Substack that during the year or so they worked together, she came to see Parton as “a brilliant businesswoman who took enormous care of the people around her”, saying she treated staff at her production company, Inca Hoots Productions, “like family”.
She also remembered the lighter moments, including asking Parton how she managed to play guitar with her famously long fingernails. Parton’s answer: “Bar chords! Like Richie Havens!”
When HarperCollins produced two leather-bound copies of the autobiography decorated with rhinestones, Parton gave one to Altman. She also left her editor with advice she has never forgotten: “Never be shy about telling people what you’ve accomplished. If you don’t tell them, how will they ever know?”
Shahana Yasmin 26 August 2026 08:30
‘As was Dolly’s wish’: Parton’s Broadway musical to proceed Dolly Parton’s Broadway musical will go ahead following her death, with its producers confirming that the production will open next year, as she had wanted.
In a statement to Variety, the producers confirmed: “As was Dolly’s wish, the Broadway production of ‘Dolly: A True Original Musical’ will begin previews December 7 at the St. James Theatre in New York City with opening set for January 19, 2027, what would have been her 81st birthday.”
Shahana Yasmin 26 August 2026 08:00
Eminem shares touching letter Dolly Parton wrote him: ‘ When Eminem was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2022, the decision received criticism considering he is a rap artist. Dolly Parton, who was honoured that same year, wrote him a letter, declaring: “Even though I don’t know a lot about rap music, I’ve come to know that you are the very best at it.”
Eminem, calling Parton a “superstar in every sense”, posted the letter in the wake of the country music legend’s death.
It read: “I hope what I have to say will not seem weird or strange to you but I have always felt some unexplained connection to you like I know you somehow. I had hoped to meet you at the show but you know how nuts those things are. Personally I hate ’em and I missed my chance but maybe someday we’ll meet.”
She continued, “In the meantime, keep doing what you’re doing because you do it so well and no matter how complex your world may be just know you are very special and touch people in ways you don’t even know.”
Jacob Stolworthy 26 August 2026 07:45
Sarah Michelle Gellar honours Dolly Parton’s lasting Buffy legacy Sarah Michelle Gellar has remembered Dolly Parton’s little-known role in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, sharing a clip of the singer discussing the series alongside a personal tribute.
“Just being a small part of the great history of Dolly Parton is everything to me,” Gellar wrote.
Parton was an uncredited producer on the 1997-2003 series through Sandollar Productions, the company she co-founded with her former manager Sandy Gallin. Sandollar had produced the 1992 Buffy film based on Joss Whedon’s screenplay, before and executive Gail Berman subsequently helped develop it into the television series starring Gellar.
Although Parton was not personally credited, Sandollar appears in the credits throughout the show’s 1997-2003 run.
Gellar revealed the connection publicly in 2023, describing Parton as “the legend” who was a producer on Buffy. She said the cast would receive personalised Christmas presents from Parton in the show’s early seasons, even though they rarely saw her.
Parton herself later spoke about her involvement with the series, telling Andy Cohen in 2021: “I thought Buffy the Vampire Slayer was a wonderful little show.”
Shahana Yasmin 26 August 2026 07:30
Dollywood will remain open after Dolly Parton’s death Dollywood will remain open following Dolly Parton’s death, with the Tennessee theme park saying it is doing so in accordance with her wishes.
The park, which Parton helped establish in 1986 after partnering with Herschend Family Entertainment, welcomed visitors on Wednesday, one day after her death at 80. A representative told People that Parton had always emphasised that “the show must go on”.
Dollywood Parks & Resorts President Eugene Naughton also shared a tribute to its founder saying: “Dolly’s heart was as vast as the mountains she cherished, and her compassion knew no bounds. She inspired generations to dream boldly and love deeply. While we grieve her loss, we are honoured, and committed to carry her light forward.”
(Getty) Parton’s connection to Dollywood went far beyond lending it her name. The 165-acre park in Pigeon Forge became one of Tennessee’s biggest attractions and a major part of her legacy in the Great Smoky Mountains, where she grew up. It includes more than 50 attractions, alongside a water park and two resorts.
Shahana Yasmin 26 August 2026 07:20
Beyoncé remembers Dolly Parton as ‘truly one of one’ Beyoncé has paid tribute to Dolly Parton, describing the country legend as “the barometer” and “the North Star”.
“Bold and brilliant. Talented and tenacious. You taught so many lessons on how to be uniquely oneself,” Beyoncé wrote in a statement on her website. “I am grateful for your art, your heart, your generosity, your humour, your entrepreneurship.”
“I’m honoured that I had the privilege to work with you,” Beyoncé wrote. “I will treasure that forever.” She called Parton “an angel who has made this world a happier place because of her joyful art” and concluded: “You are truly one of one. Rest peacefully.”
The two singers worked together on Beyoncé’s 2024 album Cowboy Carter. Parton contributed spoken-word appearances on “Dolly P” and “Tyrant”, while Beyoncé reworked Parton’s 1973 classic “Jolene”, changing its lyrics and perspective.
Parton had encouraged Beyoncé to include the song and later praised her reinterpretation saying: “Beyoncé is giving that girl some trouble and she deserves it!”
Shahana Yasmin 26 August 2026 07:10
Paul McCartney remembers Dolly Parton as a ‘magnificent star’ Paul McCartney has paid tribute to Dolly Parton, remembering the first time they met in Nashville in 1974.
“The magnificent star Dolly Parton has died and it is so sad,” McCartney wrote alongside photographs from their first meeting. He remembered meeting Parton while she was performing at the Grand Ole Opry with Porter Wagoner.
Their paths crossed again in 2023, when Parton asked McCartney and Ringo Starr to join her version of the Beatles’ “Let It Be” for her album Rockstar. McCartney later said of the request: “If Dolly’s asking me to do it, how can I say no?”
In his tribute, McCartney wrote that Parton’s songwriting, singing, and philanthropy were “unrivaled in the world of country music”, adding: “It is hard to imagine living in a world without Dolly.”
He ended: “Thanks Dolly for the beautiful music you gave me and the whole world. We will always love you, god bless and rest in peace. You were the best.”
Shahana Yasmin 26 August 2026 06:56
In pictures: Dolly Parton’s home state mourns its beloved star
The sign for Dollywood, the theme park started by Dolly Parton in 1961, is lit up at night amid a few momentos left by fans in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee (Getty)
Fans pay tribute to Dolly Parton at her statue situated on the lawn of the Sevier County Courthouse in Sevierville, Tennessee (Getty)
Fans pay tribute to Dolly Parton at her home in Brentwood, Tennessee (Getty)
Flowers and candles, placed by fans, cover Dolly Parton’s star on The Music City Walk of Fame in Nashville, Tennessee (AFP/Getty)
Fans gather near a photo of the late US singer-songwriter Dolly Parton displayed at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville, Tennessee (AFP/Getty)
Mourners pay their respects to Dolly Parton after the announcement of her passing, at the Dolly Parton Statue in downtown Sevierville, Tennessee (Reuters) Shahana Yasmin 26 August 2026 06:30
Bill Clinton remembers Dolly Parton as ‘one of a kind’ Former US president Bill Clinton has paid tribute to Dolly Parton, recalling that he and Hillary Clinton were longtime fans and first saw her perform in 1974.
“Dolly Parton was one of a kind – a great songwriter and performer who told the stories of everyday Americans with honesty, humility, and heart,” Clinton wrote. “And she always believed in giving back, especially in her efforts to promote literacy. Hillary and I were big fans and first saw her in 1974, and will always be grateful for the music and the memories.”
Hillary’s fondness for Parton has been widely known since 1995, when she celebrated her 48th birthday with a Dolly-themed hoedown at the White House, wearing a blonde wig and Western clothes.
Shahana Yasmin 26 August 2026 06:15