Dolly Parton has died at the age of 80.
In this special remembrance episode, I’m looking back at the extraordinary life of the singer, songwriter, actor, businesswoman and philanthropist who traveled from Locust Ridge, Tennessee, to the very center of American culture.
From “Jolene,” “Coat of Many Colors” and “I Will Always Love You” to 9 to 5, Steel Magnolias and Dollywood, Dolly built a career that transcended country music. I’m also remembering the brilliant businesswoman behind the rhinestones, her nearly 60-year marriage to Carl Dean and the generosity that may become her greatest legacy—including the Imagination Library, disaster relief and her support of medical research.
Dolly leaves behind far more than an astonishing catalog of music. She leaves jobs, homes rebuilt after disaster and hundreds of millions of books placed into the hands of children around the world.
Rest peacefully, Dolly. Thank you for leaving the world more colorful than you found it.
Have a favorite Dolly song, performance or memory? Email me at itsallyappeningpod@gmail.com.
SOURCES:
Reuters — Dolly Parton dies at 80:
https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/dolly-parton-has-died-family-says-2026-08-25/
Associated Press — Dolly Parton’s life and legacy:
https://apnews.com/article/87156f3e6a1547b88bf414529b644ad3
Dolly Parton — Official life and career biography:
https://dollyparton.com/about-dolly-parton
Country Music Hall of Fame — Dolly Parton:
https://www.countrymusichalloffame.org/hall-of-fame/dolly-parton
Recording Academy — Grammy history:
https://www.grammy.com/artists/dolly-parton/17205/
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library:
https://imaginationlibrary.com/
