On August 25, 2026, the world lost Dolly Parton—an extraordinary singer, songwriter, actress, businesswoman and philanthropist whose life remained deeply connected to the Great Smoky Mountains. Her death at age 80 was confirmed by her publicist. Reuters
1946 — Dolly Rebecca Parton was born January 19 in Locust Ridge, Tennessee, the fourth of 12 children.
1957–1959 — She recorded her first single, “Puppy Love,” at age 11 and performed at the Grand Ole Opry at 13.
1964 — The day after graduating from high school, Dolly moved to Nashville to pursue music.
1966 — Dolly married Carl Dean on May 30. Their famously private marriage lasted nearly 59 years.
1967 — She released her debut album, Hello, I’m Dolly, and joined The Porter Wagoner Show, gaining national recognition.
1971 — “Joshua” became her first No. 1 country single. “Coat of Many Colors” followed and became one of her signature songs.
1974 — “Jolene” and “I Will Always Love You” reached No. 1, establishing Dolly as a major solo star.
1980 — Dolly starred in 9 to 5. Its title song became a worldwide anthem and earned two Grammy Awards.
1986 — Dollywood opened in Pigeon Forge on May 3, creating jobs and celebrating Appalachian culture. Dollywood
1995 — She launched the Imagination Library in Sevier County, beginning a children’s literacy program that eventually expanded around the world. Imagination Library
1999–2022 — Dolly entered the Country Music Hall of Fame, received the Kennedy Center Honors and Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, and joined the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
2025 — Her husband, Carl Dean, died March 3 at age 82. Official Dolly Parton website
2026 — Dolly Parton died August 25 at age 80.
Her voice, generosity and love for the Smokies will continue inspiring generations. From humble mountain beginnings, Dolly showed the world how far talent, faith, kindness and determination can carry a dream