World remembers Dolly Parton's life and legacy after family confirms cause of death

Kevin Costner joined in the collective grief of Dolly Parton's death.

“Oh my goodness. Where did you go Dolly? We are all breathless. The feeling of who you are and who you were are so close," he wrote on Instagram.

"We have all stopped for a moment to think of the miracle that was you."

Costner, 71, praised the late icon for "trusting" him to effectively use her classic hit in the '92 film he both starred in and produced, "The Bodyguard."

"Thank you for trusting me with 'I Will Always Love You.' So gracious in all things," he wrote.

Whitney Houston played superstar Rachel Marron who was followed by a stalker, while Costner portrayed her bodyguard, Frank Farmer.

Parton wrote and released the song in 1974 as a final goodbye to her mentor, Porter Wagoner, as she left his series.

“Kevin Costner and his secretary are the ones that loved the song,” Parton told CMT in 2011.

“They had another song that was going to go in that place, and someone had recorded the song they were going to use. They were just in a panic at the last minute. And so they asked me about the song. I sent it. I didn’t hear anything more.”

Parton died peacefully in Nashville, Tenn. on Tuesday following a "brief battle with cancer," according to her representatives. She was 80.

"We are all at a loss this moment," Costner wrote. "Forgive us, but we will miss you so much. So much."

Dolly Parton may have influenced generations, but her moniker wasn't guiding the decision to name the next tropical storm.

The name of the fourth storm in this year's hurricane season will be "Dolly," which forecasters believe has a 60 percent chance of forming this week.

Storm systems are named by procedures set by the World Meteorological Organization, and the lists of names are reused every six years.

For the Atlantic region, the lists are alphabetical and alternate male and female names.

“The only time that there is a change in the list is if a storm is so deadly or costly that the future use of its name for a different storm would be inappropriate for reasons of sensitivity,” the National Hurricane Center wrote in a post online about storm names.

“If that occurs, then at an annual meeting by the WMO committee (called primarily to discuss many other issues) the offending name is stricken from the list and another name is selected to replace it.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Dolly Parton was more than a musician, and left behind a legacy rich with philanthropic pursuits.

A March 2026 UMass/YouGov poll showed that 70% of Americans expressed a favorable review of the "Jolene" singer, according to the New York Times.

Parton earned the highest percentage of approval for any person named in the poll, beating out a list of names that also included Barack Obama and Volodymyr Zelensky.

Additionally, the country music icon was twice as popular in that poll as Taylor Swift, who earned a 35 percent favorable mark.

Only 5 percent of adults said they viewed Parton unfavorably, the outlet reported, with roughly one quarter of Americans saying they did not have an opinion or had not heard of her.

Parton died peacefully in Nashville, Tenn. on Tuesday following a "brief battle with cancer," according to her representatives. She was 80.

Dolly Parton and Carl Dean never had children, but the couple once had a name ready if they welcomed a baby girl.

Parton said she and Dean, who married in 1966, often wondered what their children might have looked like.

“You always wonder,” she told The Guardian in 2014. “My husband and I, when we first got married, we thought about if we had kids, what would they look like? Would they be tall because he’s tall? Or would they be little squats like me?”

“If we’d had a girl, she was gonna be called Carla,” added Parton. “Anyway, we talked about it, and we dreamed it, but it wasn’t meant to be. Now that we’re older? We’re glad.”

The singer often spoke candidly about the life she and Dean built together outside of parenthood, including their nearly six-decade marriage before Dean died in 2025 at age 82.

“Since I had no kids, and my husband was pretty independent, I had freedom,” she said during a 2020 appearance on "The Oprah Conversation." “So I think a big part of my whole success is the fact that I was free to work.”

“I didn’t have children because I believed that God didn’t mean for me to have kids so everybody’s kids could be mine, so I could do things like Imagination Library, because if I hadn’t had the freedom to work, I wouldn’t have done all the things I’ve done,” she told Winfrey. “I wouldn’t be in a position to do all of the things I’m doing now.”

Despite the decision, Parton knew she would have been a wonderful mother but it would have changed the direction of her life.

“I would have been a great mother, I think,” she told The Guardian. “I would probably have given up everything else. Because I would’ve felt guilty about that, if I’d have left them [to work, to tour]. Everything would have changed. I probably wouldn’t have been a star.”

The Dollywood Foundation remained dedicated to Dolly Parton's philanthropic missions in the wake of the country singer's death.

Created in 1988, the foundation's original goal was to promote educational success, and has since spawned a number of literary programs and scholarships.

The nonprofit "has prepared carefully for the future and remains honored to carry the mission Dolly entrusted to it," they said in a release. "The Foundation is strong, its mission is clear, and the values Dolly instilled in the organization will continue to guide its work and growth in the years ahead."

"Dolly often said that she had been blessed far beyond anything she ever dreamed possible, and she believed deeply that those blessings came with a responsibility to give something back," Jeff Conyers, President of The Dollywood Foundation, said in a release.

"That belief is woven into everything we do at The Dollywood Foundation. While we are heartbroken by her loss, the mission she gave us is as clear today as it has ever been, and we will carry it forward for generations to come."

Parton died peacefully in Nashville, Tenn. on Tuesday following a "brief battle with cancer," according to her representatives. She was 80.

Tennessee State Senator Jessie Seal (R-New Tazewell) wants to permanently honor the life and legacy of Dolly Parton.

Seal will propose legislation in the 2027 session to mark Sept. 25 (9/25) as "9 to 5 Day."

“Dolly will go down as one of the most legendary Tennesseans of all time,” Seal said in a release. “Not only will her music stand the test of time, but so will her legacy of faith and kindness." 

He added, "She embodied the true Volunteer State spirit like no other. While every day is a fitting day to honor Dolly, ‘9 to 5 Day’ will give Tennesseans an opportunity each year to set aside a little extra time to listen to one of her most iconic songs and reflect on the once-in-a-century legend.”

Earlier this year, Gov. Bill Lee designated Jan. 19, 2026, as Dolly Parton Day to commemorate her 80th birthday.

Parton died peacefully in Nashville, Tenn. on Tuesday following a "brief battle with cancer," according to her representatives. She was 80.

Dolly Parton’s death may have closed an extraordinary chapter, but the country icon’s vision will continue to unfold in the months and years ahead.

From a new coffee line and travel-stop brand to collectible dolls, a jewelry collaboration and home goods, Parton had an ambitious slate of projects in the works at the time of her death. Parton's longtime manager Danny Nozell confirmed the launches will move forward, giving fans new ways to experience the music, humor and larger-than-life spirit she brought to everything she touched.

Here’s what is still to come:

Dolly’s Tennessean Travel Stops: The travel-stop brand will celebrate National Truck Driver Appreciation Week beginning Sept. 13, 2026.

Dolly Parton’s SongTeller Hotel: Guests can begin booking stays at the Nashville hotel on Sept. 14, ahead of its grand opening on Sept. 29.

Dolly Dolls: A new line of Dolly-inspired dolls is set to launch online Sept. 15.

Dolly’s Life of Many Colors Museum: The museum dedicated to Parton’s life and career will celebrate its grand opening in Nashville on Sept. 29.

Dolly’s Cup of Ambition Coffee: The coffee line will launch online Sept. 29, with a retail rollout planned for spring 2027.

Dolly on the Holly: A new holiday project is slated for the 2026 holiday season.

“DOLLY: A True Original Musical” on Broadway: Previews begin Dec. 7, 2026, before opening night on Jan. 19, 2027 — Parton’s birthday. Tickets are currently on sale through Nov. 21, 2027.

Kendra Scott x Dolly — The 9 to 5 Collection: The jewelry collaboration is scheduled to launch in January 2027.

Dolly’s Dog Treats: A pet treat line will arrive in early 2027.

Dolly Bedding & Home Decor: Parton’s home collection is expected to launch in the third quarter of 2027.

Dolly Parton’s greatest legacy may have arrived not on a stage, but in a child’s mailbox.

The country music icon launched Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in 1995 in her Tennessee hometown, inspired by her father, Robert Lee Parton, who never learned to read or write. Determined to give young children the opportunity he never had, Parton created a program that sent free, age-appropriate books to children from birth until age 5.

What began as a local effort in the Smoky Mountains grew into a global literacy movement. The Imagination Library now distributes millions of books each month to children in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia and Ireland.

Parton never treated philanthropy as a side project. She saw it as a responsibility.

“I think it’s important for everyone to do their share to help their fellow man,” she told The Associated Press in 2022. “I get paid more attention than maybe some others that are doing more than me.”

Ohio first lady Fran DeWine praised Parton’s impact on young readers, calling her “devotion to children and literacy” unparalleled. More than 1 million children in Ohio had received nearly 28 million books through the program, according to DeWine.

“Her generosity and selfless spirit leave a legacy that will live on for generations to come,” DeWine said.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Dolly Parton had a number of projects in development before she died Tuesday following a brief battle with cancer. She was 80.

“Dolly worked up until the day she died. She loved seeing her dreams come to life, and loved knowing her work brought people joy," longtime manager Danny Nozell said in a statement provided to Fox News Digital.

"Ever the planner, Dolly worked with the team that she handpicked, for the past several years to build a project roadmap that will guide us for decades to come."

Nozell wrote that Dolly's team will "ensure the many dreams she had yet to fulfill are brought to life."

"Many projects were in various stages of development, and we want to be transparent with her fans about this fact," he noted. "If you see unreleased music, products, books, experiences, and campaigns launched through official Dolly Parton channels, you can have confidence in knowing that she placed her personal stamp on it.”

Of the myriad projects, a "Dolly Musical documentary, a Dolly biopic, a Dolly docuseries, a Dolly scripted series, and many more – will be revealed soon."

Dolly Parton’s death on Tuesday followed a brief bout with cancer, according to statements from her family. She was 80.

"After bravely facing a brief battle with cancer, Dolly departed her Earthly life today at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center surrounded by loved ones," the family shared in a statement with Fox News Digital.

The revelation of the singer’s previously undisclosed cancer battle raised questions about why some patients choose to keep a diagnosis private, even as public figures’ health struggles can spark wider awareness.

Keeping the disease private at first is a "very natural response," Dr. Kristin Higgins, chief clinical officer at City of Hope Cancer Center in Atlanta, told Fox News Digital.

"It's very natural to cling to that identity of being a healthy, vibrant person without a diagnosis of cancer," Higgins said.

"The patient really needs to acclimate to the idea of themselves having this disease and then start to tell friends and family kind of slowly after they go through that adjustment process."

Read more about why Higgins believes patients often need more time to understand a diagnosis.

Fox News Digital's Melissa Rudy contributed to this report.

Allison Janey, Megan Hilty and Stephanie J. Block remembered once sharing the stage with Dolly Parton during the original Broadway production of "9 to 5: The Musical."

Janney, who earned a Tony nomination for her performance as Violet Newstead in the 2009 stage adaptation of the 1980 film, felt "incredibly lucky" to work with the country music legend.

“She had that rare ability to light up every room she walked into, not just with her extraordinary talent, but with her graciousness, her humor, and the love and support she gave so generously to everyone in this cast,” Janney, 66, wrote on Instagram.

“There was something truly magical about being in her presence. She made every person feel seen and valued, and being with her really did feel like being in the presence of an angel.”

Hilty portrayed Doralee Rhodes, a character first played by Parton.

"She made more of an impact on me than I can express in an Instagram post and this deep and profound loss will take quite some time to process," Hilty wrote online. "I am so grateful to have been in her orbit and we are all so lucky this actual angel walked among us."

Block shared a number of images featuring Parton on her Instagram stories as she reflected on the "pure joy" of working with Dolly.

"You've got some big lungs, Steph. Yours are in the inside. Mine are on the outside," Block recalled Parton's words of wisdom in a throwback shot.

"We will ALWAYS love you," Block shared online.

Parton died peacefully in Nashville, Tenn. on Tuesday following a "brief battle with cancer," according to her representatives. She was 80.

Dolly Parton’s unmistakable voice made songs like “Jolene,” “9 to 5” and “I Will Always Love You” timeless. But the country icon’s songwriting reached far beyond her own recordings, with artists from Whitney Houston to Tina Turner, Merle Haggard and Kenny Rogers bringing her stories to life.

Here are nine songs fans may not realize Parton wrote.

“Put It Off Until Tomorrow”

Bill Phillips scored one of country music’s biggest hits of 1966 with this early Parton composition. Parton sang uncredited backing vocals on the record, which helped open the door to her own breakout career.

“Fuel to the Flame”

Parton co-wrote this song with her uncle Bill Owens before Skeeter Davis turned it into a hit in 1967. Parton also included her own version on her debut album, “Hello, I’m Dolly.”

“There’ll Always Be Music”

Tina Turner recorded the Parton-penned ballad for her 1974 solo debut, “Tina Turns the Country On!” The song showed just how easily Parton’s songwriting could cross genre lines.

“I’m in No Condition”

Hank Williams Jr. recorded this breakup lament, which Parton also released on “Hello, I’m Dolly.” The vulnerable country song was an early example of the emotional honesty that defined much of her writing.

“I Will Always Love You”

Parton first recorded the song in 1974 as a goodbye to Porter Wagoner. Nearly two decades later, Whitney Houston transformed it into a global phenomenon for “The Bodyguard” soundtrack.

“Kentucky Gambler”

Parton wrote the character-driven country song about a man whose gambling destroys his family. Merle Haggard recorded his own version, which became a No. 1 country hit.

“To Daddy”

Emmylou Harris took this Parton song to the top of the country chart in 1978. Parton had written the story song about a woman who leaves her unhappy marriage and later recorded it herself.

“The Stranger”

Kenny Rogers recorded this emotional Parton composition in 1984. The song follows a young man who meets the father who abandoned him after his mother dies.

“Waltz Me to Heaven”

Parton wrote the romantic song for Waylon Jennings, who took it to the country Top 10 in 1984. Her brother, Floyd Parton, later recorded it for the “Rhinestone” soundtrack.

SiriusXM is giving Dolly Parton’s music a dedicated home following the country icon’s death.

The satellite radio service launched The Dolly Parton Tribute Channel on Channel 105 and the SiriusXM app, giving fans a place to revisit the singer’s unmistakable voice, timeless songs and seven-decade career.

Listeners can hear tracks from Parton’s celebrated catalog, including “Jolene,” “9 to 5” and “I Will Always Love You,” as well as music from her friends and collaborators. The limited-run channel will also feature special programming and memories from throughout Parton’s extraordinary career.

SiriusXM will also air tributes across several of its country music stations in the days ahead, including The Highway, Y2Kountry, Willie’s Roadhouse, Outlaw Country and Bluegrass Junction.

Parton died peacefully in Nashville on Aug. 25 following a brief battle with cancer, Fox News Digital confirmed.

Country music icon Dolly Parton died peacefully in Nashville on Tuesday at 80 years old. Parton's team shared a statement with Fox News Digital on Tuesday night and confirmed that she died after a "brief battle with cancer."

Throughout the span of her career, which ignited as a performer on "The Porter Wagoner Show," Parton always shared what mattered most to her – her Tennessee upbringing, her faith, her beloved husband, Carl Dean, and family.

Born in 1946 in rural Sevier County, Tennessee, Parton grew up in a large, poor family in the Smoky Mountains. She began singing in church as a child and started writing songs at a young age.

"I think my childhood made me everything I am today," she told Entertainment Tonight in 2015. "I would trade nothing for being brought up in the Great Smoky Mountains. I’ve never been ashamed of my people no matter how poor or dirty we might have been."

Read more about Parton's lasting legacy and how her faith impacted the way she lived.

Fox News Digital's Janelle Ash contributed to this report.

Michigan Democratic Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed faced heat online over what critics called a politicization of Dolly Parton’s passing.

"Dolly Parton used her gift for music to highlight the challenges of poverty, inequality, and struggle in ways that uplifted and inspired working people," El-Sayed posted on X Tuesday shortly after Parton died following a brief battle with cancer. She was 80.

"And I told 'em all the story / Momma told me while she sewed / And how my coat of many colors / Was worth more than all their clothes," El-Sayed added, quoting Parton song lyrics.

El-Sayed’s post was "ratioed" on social media, yielding far more negative comments and quote tweets that positive ones from users accusing the far-left candidate of injecting his political message into his Parton tribute.

Read more about the backlash to El-Sayed's social media tribute to the country music legend.

Fox News Digital's Andrew Mark Miller and Peter D'Abrosca contributed to this report.

Dolly Parton's hometown paid tribute to the late country music legend in a unique way.

The bell at the top of Sevier County Courthouse, built in 1896, rang a reverent toll for five minutes Wednesday at noon in honor of the Tennessee legend. 

A statue of Parton was placed in front of the courthouse and portrays the icon sitting barefoot on a rock while wearing jeans and holding a guitar on her lap.

In addition, all Sevier County schools observed a moment of silence in remembrance of Parton's deep connection to Sevier County.

Parton died peacefully in Nashville, Tenn. on Tuesday following a "brief battle with cancer," according to her representatives. She was 80.

“Our beloved Dolly Parton spent her life and career bringing joy, laughter, hope and integrity into everything she touched," her team said in a statement provided to Fox News Digital.

"Her unmatched generosity reached the lives of countless people whom she would never meet, yet she was always there to offer a helping hand. Whether it be the hundreds of millions of books donated through her invaluable Imagination Library or funding research that helped create a lifesaving vaccine used around the world, Dolly’s unconditional love for all people was the guiding force for her lasting impact.

"After bravely facing a brief battle with cancer, Dolly departed her Earthly life today at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center surrounded by loved ones,” the statement concluded.

Dollywood Parks & Resorts President Eugene Naughton is honoring the woman he called the park’s “Dreamer in Chief” following Dolly Parton’s death on Tuesday.

“This is a really heavy day for all of us here at Dollywood Parks & Resorts,” Naughton said in an emotional Instagram video shared by the park on Wednesday. “We’ve been dealing with the news of our ‘Dreamer in Chief’ passing.”

Naughton acknowledged that many fans are worried about what Dollywood will look like without its beloved co-founder.

“A lot of people are concerned that things are going to change without Dolly being present here,” he said. “I want to assure you, it’s not. Just know we’re all going to keep her alive here.”

Naughton encouraged visitors to honor Parton by embracing the values she lived by.

“Show kindness, don’t be afraid to love big, don’t be afraid to dream big, don’t be afraid to care more about others,” he said. “That’s exactly what we’re gonna do. That’s exactly what she’d want us to do. The show must go on.”

Dollywood will remain open, in keeping with Parton’s wish that the Tennessee park continue to be a place of joy, music and shared dreams.

Dolly Parton’s music echoed through concert venues around the world as artists and fans mourned the country icon after her death.

Pitbull paused his show at New York’s Northwell at Jones Beach Theater on Aug. 25 to honor his friend and former collaborator. The rapper reflected on working with Parton on the 2024 track “Powerful Women” and praised the singer for believing in him.

“There’s someone that was very special to me and showed me love and believed in me when a lot of folks didn’t and gave me an opportunity,” Pitbull told the crowd. “And her name is Dolly Parton.”

Calling Parton “hardworking,” “powerful” and “a good human being with a good heart,” Pitbull dedicated the moment to the singer before taking a swig from a bottle onstage. Parton’s “9 to 5” then played over the venue speakers as a photo of the two appeared behind him.

“So, to all the powerful women here tonight, this is dedicated to y’all, but more than anything to the legend that will live forever,” he said.

Meanwhile, Tame Impala paid tribute before taking the stage at Nationwide Arena in Ohio. Fans inside the venue sang along to Parton’s “I Will Always Love You” as the beloved ballad played ahead of the show.

Spencer Pratt hailed Dolly Parton as “American royalty” in a heartfelt tribute following the country icon’s death.

Pratt re-shared the royal family’s X post honoring Parton and praised the singer as an example of greatness that went far beyond her music career.

“This is fitting. Dolly Parton is American royalty,” Pratt wrote. “She easily could’ve been a billionaire, but she just kept giving away her money.”

The former “Hills” star pointed to Parton’s charitable legacy, including her support for families displaced by the deadly 2016 Gatlinburg wildfires. Pratt noted that Parton gave direct monthly assistance to families who lost their homes, as well as her education benefit for Dollywood employees.

“She simultaneously built a formidable business empire, and fostered a universally-beloved reputation that spans every clique in America,” Pratt wrote. “I’ve literally never heard a single disparaging word about Dolly from anyone.”

Pratt also said Parton transcended political divisions throughout her life and urged fans not to claim her legacy for “their pet political issue.”

“She was just a genuine blessing to our country, and perhaps the best example of what an American should aspire to be,” he wrote, calling Parton “faithful, great, prolific, kind, generous” and “humble.”