World · 26 August 2026

Dolly Parton dies at 80 after six-decade career

RCA Records via Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

Dolly Parton, one of country music's most successful artists, has died at 80, her family said on Tuesday. The Tennessee-born singer sold more than 100 million records and wrote over 3,000 songs, including Jolene and 9 to 5, across six decades. Paul McCartney, Oprah Winfrey and Elton John led tributes to the star, whose Imagination Library charity has given millions of books to children.

By BriefTea Editorial · 26 August 2026 at 0:13

Reported by BBC News · How we write briefs

Get the app

Understand this story

How do artists make money? Who were the biggest stars? What is a charity's purpose?

More briefs

WorldUS brain fungus cases quadruple in two years PoliticsJapan's Farm Minister Kazuo Yana Resigns TransportOne Fisherman Dead and Two Missing After Boat Lost Off Lewis BusinessIndia Sells IDBI Bank Stake to Canada's Fairfax for $5.5bn WorldTeen Arrested Over Alleged Plan to Attack Hindu Temple in Illinois PoliticsTrump Administration Seeks to Strip Ilhan Omar of US Citizenship More world stories → Browse all stories →