Dolly Parton performing live in 2023 The legendary singer-songwriter Dolly Parton has died at the age of 80. A pioneer in the world of country music, Dolly was best known for her cross-generational hits including I Will Always Love You, 9 To 5 and Jolene. On Tuesday evening, her nephew Bryan Seaver announced the news of the Grammy winner’s death in a video message posted on social media, explaining that this was “something Dolly asked of me years ago, before I fully absorbed it as a future reality”. “As her head of security for more than two decades, a role my father Larry held before me, I have imagined the heaviness of this moment, but haven’t truly felt it until now,” he shared. “Sadness lies with us, not with Dolly,” he continued. “Dolly lived in the light and is in the arms of Jesus, surely.” The video concluded: “Dolly called me and said she wants to rest in a beautiful bed of plush cotton because after a life wearing heavy rhinestones, she finally deserves to be comfortable and have some rest. “Rest in peace, Aunt Dolly... Aunt Granny... Gigi... May God bless Dolly Parton and may God bless you all. She will always love you.” View this post on Instagram Her team later released a lengthier statement, celebrating the accolades she achieved in life. “Global icon and humanitarian, Dolly Parton, known to the world as a beloved singer, songwriter, philanthropist, actress, playwright and author died peacefully today in Nashville, Tennessee,” they said. “She was 80 years old. “A rhinestone life that shone bright enough for the world to see, Dolly will forever stand as an inspiration not only through her timeless music and prolific songwriting, but also her wit, warmth, and kindness that made us all feel like family,” the statement continued. “Dolly Parton’s legacy is one of love, compassion, and resilience. With a seven-decade career, she inspired multiple generations of artists and fans with her music and an unwavering commitment to making the world a better place. “Her songs will continue to resonate with people of all ages, and her philanthropic work will have a lasting impact.” For the past year, Dolly had privately undergoing what she described as “procedures” for a number of “health challenges”, the details of which she had chosen not to disclose publicly. Dolly began her recording career in the late 1960s, releasing her debut album Hello I’m Dolly in 1967, including what would go on to become one of her early signature songs Dumb Blonde, showcasing the artist’s trademark wit with lyrics like: “Just ’cos I’m blonde, don’t think I’m dumb, ’cos this dumb blonde ain’t nobody’s fool.” Dolly Parton pictured in 1977 Over the course of her time in the public eye, she released a staggering 49 albums, most recently 2023’s Rockstar, which preceded her introduction to the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame. She was also a 12-time Grammy winner, and performed in Glastonbury’s famous “Legends” slot back in 2014, where the set included her self-penned offerings Baby I’m Burnin’, Why’d You Come in Here Lookin’ Like That, Coat Of Many Colours and Here You Come Again. In addition to her music career, Dolly was also an established actor, appearing in the likes of Steel Magnolias, The Best Little Whorehouse In Texas, 9 To 5 (for which she wrote the theme song) and the TV series Hannah Montana, sharing the screen with her goddaughter, Miley Cyrus. She also co-owned the theme park Dollywood in her home state of Tennessee, and was celebrated for her philanthropic work, including her Imagination Library literacy initiative and helping fund the Covid vaccine in the early 2020s. Last year, Dolly’s husband Carl Thomas Dean died after almost 60 years of marriage.