DawgTalkers.net Forums DawgTalk Everything Else... Legend Dolly Parton Dead at 80

Dolly Parton -- the country music icon behind some of the biggest songs ever recorded -- has died.

The legendary singer, songwriter and actress leaves behind a career spanning more than six decades ... with hits including "Jolene," "9 to 5" and "I Will Always Love You."

Dolly became one of the most beloved figures in entertainment ... earning countless awards while building an empire that stretched far beyond music.

As we reported ... she also abruptly canceled a Dollywood appearance earlier this month after her doctor advised her not to travel while she dealt with dehydration and occasional dizziness.

Her sister, Freida Parton, had also asked fans to pray for Dolly last October ... saying she hadn't been feeling her best.

The two were married for 58 years and never had children.

Dolly sold more than 100 million records worldwide during her legendary career ... cementing herself as one of the best-selling artists of all time.

She also made a major mark in Hollywood, starring in films including "9 to 5" and "Steel Magnolias" ... and earned an Oscar nomination for the title song from "9 to 5."

Her impact went far beyond entertainment, too ... with her Imagination Library giving millions of books to children around the world.

From growing up dirt poor in Tennessee to becoming one of the biggest stars on the planet ... Dolly's story was truly one of a kind.

She was 80.

RIP

https://www.tmz.com/2026/08/25/dolly-parton-dead/

Dolly Parton is a generous philanthropist who has donated hundreds of millions of dollars to childhood literacy, healthcare, and disaster relief.The Imagination Library

Founded the Dollywood Foundation in 1988 to support education in her home county of Sevier County, Tennessee.

Launched Dolly Parton's Imagination Library in 1995 to mail free monthly books to children from birth to age five.Expanded the program globally to the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Ireland, and Australia, sending over 270 million books.

Healthcare and Medical ResearchDonated $1 million to Vanderbilt University Medical Center in 2020 for COVID-19 research that helped fund the Moderna vaccine.

Supported the Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital and LeConte Medical Center with major donations for pediatric care and cancer treatment.

Disaster Relief and Community SupportCreated the My People Fund in 2016 to give $1,000 a month to families who lost homes in the Great Smoky Mountain wildfires.

Raised $13 million through a telethon for wildfire victims and later supported flood relief in Tennessee.

Covered 100% of tuition, fees, and books for employees at her theme park properties seeking higher education.

Dolly Partin was first and foremost a fantastic human being. We could all love to see more such people living among us.

She had the ability to laugh at herself too. One of her most famous quotes is “It costs a lot of money to look this cheap”—is her witty way of embracing an over-the-top, glamorous, and artificial style that she loves.

Having lived here in Tennessee for well over a decade now I have come to appreciate even more what a treasure she truly was and the world will miss her.

Was just about to post.

Great article with a bunch of pics here:
https://people.com/dolly-parton-dead-7565853


R.I.P. Queen

It's a much better and more informative article than anything i posted. I hope people click on the link to read it.

This one's hard. "Icon" is so watered down nowadays. Maybe it's that a lot of us are getting older and remember when the stage was a lot bigger. Maybe it's just me. I feel like I could live to 120 and likely not see another icon like this one. An icon measured in heart and compassion... not likes, views and clicks.

What a spirit... what a voice.

Between the words "icon" and "hero" I hear you. Overused words and the real ones often times get lost in the sauce, overlooked and under appreciated as a result.

She was a lot of icon and somewhat of a hero to a lot of people. In the truest meaning of the words.

A very sad day. She will be missed. She was a celebrity that gave back to the community. RIP Dolly.

The world needs more Dollys not less.

It's a sad day. Having lived in Tennessee for 50 years now, she was always Dolly from Locust Ridge. Grew up in abject poverty. No running water, no electricity. She goes on to being a singer, songwriter, actress, great businesswoman, philanthropist, and just a superstar personality known world wide.

I'd say that was a life well lived and well done! Not only I, "We" will always love you.

Rest in Peace Dolly from Locust Ridge, Tn. No doubt Heaven welcomes you with open arms!

Well said, my friend.

Sad to see her go, but hopefully she is with the Lord now.

I can't speak for everybody but if she isn't, most of us don't stand much of a chance.

Saw where it is estimated that she donated over 500 million dollars to a variety of causes in her lifetime. She was both blessed and was a blessing.

Amen.