Dolly Parton's Official Obituary Released After Death at 80

The Obituary

Dolly Parton's official obituary has been released following her death at the age of 80. Parton died peacefully on Aug. 25 in Nashville, Tennessee, according to an obituary from Woodlawn-Roesch-Patton Funeral Home & Woodlawn Memorial Park, as reported by WCYB.

The notice remembers Parton as a global icon and humanitarian whose career spanned seven decades and covered music, film, television, theater and writing. It describes her legacy as one of "love, kindness, and resilience," pointing to both her recordings and her decades of philanthropic work.

Parton was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Carl Thomas Dean, who died in 2025, and by her parents, Avie Lee Caroline Owens and Robert Lee Parton Sr.

Her family is encouraging fans and friends around the world to pay tribute to her on social media. Instead of flowers, the family is asking for donations to Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, the literacy program she founded to provide free books to children.

Ella Langley's 'Jolene' Tribute

Country singer Ella Langley performed a cover of Parton's song "Jolene" during a concert in Auburn, Alabama, on Friday, according to OutKick, which credited Whiskey Riff for the report of the performance.

Langley, known for the song "Nicotine," paused during the show to honor Parton. OutKick described the moment as a touching tribute to one of country music's biggest influences.

Fans responded in the comments under video of the performance. One wrote, "What an amazing version." Another said, "Ella you did a great job on this song. I know Dolly would be very proud of this tribute." A third wrote, "This song was a perfect choice for her voice."

Wider Reaction

OutKick reported that tributes poured in immediately after Parton's death, and that her passing sent shockwaves through the country. The outlet said it expects more tributes to follow.

On Fox News, Steve Doocy discussed Parton's life, career and charitable work, including her music catalog, the Imagination Library and her Dollywood theme park in Tennessee. OutKick also reported that President Trump mourned Parton and ordered US flags lowered nationwide after her death.

Unanswered Questions

Parton's family has not announced details for a public memorial or funeral service, WCYB reported. No date, location or format for any such event has been made public.

The available reporting also does not mention anyone named Lainey Mae Parton, and gives no information about a person by that name or any connection to Dolly Parton. Any such link is not established by these sources.

The obituary does not state a cause of death, and none of the reporting reviewed here provides one.