Dolly Parton, 80, dies; tributes pour in as fans revisit her music

Dolly Parton performing in 2023Just over a week since her death at the age of 80, Dolly Parton has landed the highest UK chart placement of her decades-spanning career.On Friday evening, the Official Charts Company revealed that three of the late country music icon’s classic songs had made it into the Top 10 as fans continue to honour her legacy by revisiting her music.As of this week, 9 To 5 is now Dolly’s highest-placing song ever in the UK, after reaching at number five.The track was originally released in 1980 and appeared on the soundtrack of the film of the same name – but, surprisingly, missed the top 40 completely on this side of the Atlantic when it first came out.Dolly’s previous highest-charting songs had been Jolene and Islands In The Stream, both of which landed at number seven.Those two tracks continue to make a dent in the charts, with Jolene rising to number six and Islands In The Stream, a collaboration with the late Kenny Rogers, sitting at number nine.Meanwhile, her greatest hits collections Diamonds & Rhinestones has risen one place to number five on the Official Album Chart, its highest entry yet.Dolly’s back catalogue has seen a sharp increase in sales and streams since her death at the end of August, with several of her albums and songs returning to charts around the world.The UK charts were full of momentous achievements this week, with Ella Langley earning her first-ever chart-topping single with Choosin’ Texas.Her country song debuted at number 78 on the UK charts back in January, before cracking the Top 40 a month later, and finally rising to the Top 10 in July.Ella replaces Sam Fender and Olivia Dean at number one, ending a run of 10 weeks in the top spot for their duet Rein Me In, which had previously set a new record with 23 non-consecutive weeks in peak position.Rein Me In is still in the top 10, but has fallen to number seven, its lowest placement since February.READ MORE:11 Reasons Dolly Parton Was One Of The World's Most Universally Loved StarsDolly Parton's Relationship With Her Husband Carl Dean Was A Great Love StoryRemembering Dolly Parton's Triumphant And 'Magic' Glastonbury Set

Dolly Parton’s niece has given insight into life without the music icon (Picture: Getty) It’s been just over a week since the queen of country music, Dolly Parton, passed away at age 80 after a ‘brief battle’ with cancer. Since then, millions of heartfelt tributes — including everyone from Miley Cyrus to Beyoncé — have made their way across social media and the press, proving how much of an impact Dolly had on the world. Now, someone much closer to home has broken their silence about the 9 to 5 singer, specifically on the sweet reason why Dolly decided to keep her cancer diagnosis private until the end. Dolly’s niece, Jada Star, spoke exclusively to Extra in a video interview, days after she performed at Grand Ole Opry’s musical tribute in Nashville for her beloved aunt. Jada Star is the daughter of Dolly’s younger sister Freida (Picture: REUTERS) Jada’s mother is Dolly’s younger sister, Freida Parton. She told the reporter that Dolly kept her cancer battle under wraps because ‘she never wanted to worry anybody.’ ‘You know, we kind of kept all that stuff real private,’ she said. However, Jada added that it was still ‘a shock on Tuesday [August 25]’ when the news broke of Dolly’s death. ‘It’s been very difficult and really surreal. I think we all share that feeling,’ Jada reflected, before adding that she ‘can’t remember a life’ without Dolly in it. Speaking about all of the love Dolly and her family have received, Jada continued: ‘It’s also been really bittersweet because of this beautiful opportunity we’ve had to see how much the whole world loves her. ‘So, all of these tributes have helped so much to help us all through it.’ Dolly’s goddaughter Miley Cyrus also penned an emotional tribute (Picture: Vijat Mohindra/NBC via Getty Images) Elsewhere in the interview, Jada opened up about her aunt’s personality and how she was always on-hand to help others. Dolly, who was known for being unapologetically herself, also gave great advice, according to Jada. ‘She had a different set of advice for every single person on Earth,’ she said. ‘For me, my advice that I frequently got was “Why are you worried about what other people think?”‘ Finally, the interviewer asked Jada if there was anything she wished she could say to her aunt Dolly if she were here today. She concluded with: ‘I think I would just say, “thank you so much, and I love you so much, and I know you’re OK”.’ Dolly’s husband, Carl Dean, died last year (Picture: Agency/NurPhoto/Shutterstock) As well as being a singer-songwriter, Dolly was also an astute businesswoman and philanthropist. Over the course of her six-decade career, it’s estimated she donated around $500 million to various charities — if not more. She founded Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, which has gifted hundreds of millions of free books to young children globally. Dolly also supported many educational and medical causes, including a $1 million donation to Vanderbilt University that aided COVID-19 vaccine research. Just before her death, she even offered up her own body to medical researchers. During her lifetime, Dolly established relief funds for families affected by natural disasters, including the devastating East Tennessee wildfires. Dolly has left a monumental legacy (Picture: Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images) Of course, we can’t forget about Dollywood, her major theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, which has been boosting the local economy since first opening in 1986. Following her death, Dollywood has announced several new features to honour its founder and ‘dreamer-in-chief.’ A mountainside waterfall will be added, creating a ‘peaceful setting for guests to pause, reflect and enjoy the natural beauty’ of the area. To honour Dolly’s Imagination Library book-giving programme, the park has also created a new character called the Dream Maker. Through stories and interactive experiences, the Dream Maker ‘will encourage guests to dream big, believe in themselves and lift others up through courage and kindness.’ Comment now Comments Add Metro as a Preferred Source on Google Add as preferred source

Dolly Parton’s niece has opened up about how she and her family are grieving their loss in the wake of the country legend’s death last week at the age of 80. Jada Star – who, like her late aunt, is a country musician – admitted to ExtraTV earlier this this week that the days since the Jolene singer’s death have been “really difficult”.She added that her family’s spirits have been boosted by the outpouring of support they’ve received from fans around the world. “I can’t remember a life without her in it,” said Jada, who is the daughter of Dolly’s younger sister, Freida. “She would also tell us to start drying it up and start trying to get back to work and love each other real hard.” Dolly’s nephew, Bryan Seaver, broke the news of his aunt’s death in an emotional video shared on social media.However, it wasn’t until later that day that Dolly’s representatives disclosed her cause of death, noting in a statement that the 11-time Grammy winner had died after a “brief battle with cancer” at a Nashville hospital. When asked why Dolly – who had a reputation for being forthcoming and accessible to her fans – wanted to remain tight-lipped on her health and recent hospitalisations, Jada noted: “We kind of kept all that stuff real private. She never wanted to worry anybody, so I think it was just a shock on Tuesday.”Dolly had alluded to unspecified health concerns on social media and in interviews after plans for a 2025 Las Vegas residency were at first postponed, then scrapped altogether.Just weeks ago, she also backed out of a planned appearance at her Dollywood theme park, later joking that her doctor had “clipped my wings” (referencing the butterfly wings she was seen sporting in a video message) and prohibited her from traveling. Speaking to People in an interview conducted just four days before her death, Dolly acknowledged she’d been grappling with “some health issues that I just didn’t pay attention to” prior to the 2025 death of her husband, Carl Dean.“I’m gonna keep on working as long as I can to see everything come to life,” Dolly Parton said in an interview just days before her death on Aug. 25.Still, she reassured fans that she intended to forge ahead with a series of creative projects, including Dolly: A True Original Musical, which is slated to open on Broadway in early 2027. “Seriously, though, even though I’m still healin,’ I’m still workin’!” she told the outlet. “You know me – as I’ve often said – I’ve dreamed myself into a corner and I still have so many things I want to achieve, so I’m gonna keep on working as long as I can to see everything come to life.”Last weekend, Jada joined fellow Nashville-based artists Carly Pearce and Jelly Roll in paying tribute to Parton with a celebratory concert at the Grand Ole Opry.In her ExtraTV appearance, she shared how she intends to keep her aunt’s legacy alive through her own work as a singer-songwriter. “For me, I’m going to keep writing and I love listening to other people’s stories and I love helping other people learn to write, I think that’s a lot of fun,” she said. “Everything she taught me, I’ll use in everything I do, for sure.” READ MORE:11 Reasons Dolly Parton Was One Of The World's Most Universally Loved Stars9 Fabulous Dolly Parton Performances You Can Watch At Home NowThere's Good Reason That Dolly Parton's Death Has Hit So Hard For So Many People

If your heart dropped when you heard the news earlier this week that Dolly Parton had died, you’re likely one of millions with that reaction. It’s cliché, but it’s true: So many of us are shocked and deeply saddened by the legendary musician’s death. Despite not knowing her, the impact she had was real, and it will live on.You might be wondering why it hits so hard, especially if you’ve never met her.Here’s why Dolly’s death may feel more meaningful than the losses of many other celebrities...Dolly Parton embodied many valuesDolly was a wonderful singer and artist, but she was also so much more. She was admirable.“While Dolly was absolutely a musician with incredible songs and talent, she represented much more than that, e.g., generosity, advocacy, kindness, humour, style, etc.,” said Suzanne Wallach, a licensed psychotherapist and the founder of SoCal DBT Center in Los Angeles. She was always donatingShe didn’t just talk the talk, either“Dolly Parton publicly funded initiatives on children’s literacy, public health and mental health causes,” said Alexandra Cromer, a licensed therapist with Thriveworks. “Throughout her extraordinary 80-year life, she did not change or waver on her fundamental message and principles of love, kindness and acceptance for all.”She brought people togetherThose above principles are ones we especially need to see in the world right now, right? That contributes to the grief, too. “Especially in times like these, when our society feels so divided, we share a collective sadness at the loss of someone who loved without limits and created a common thread between people from different walks of life,” said Golee Abrishami, a psychologist and the vice president of clinical care at Octave.She was influential for a long timePlus, there’s the time factor. Her impact spanned decades. It’s hard to forget all of the ways she changed people’s lives.“Dolly Parton began winning the world over with her charm, beauty, style and vocals as early as the 1960s,” said Sharonda Brown, a licenced professional counsellor who specialises in grief. “This is well over 60 years of entertainment increasing familiarity and closeness.”She was known to people of all agesDolly also brought generations, and therefore families, together.“Grandparents can beltJolene with their grandchildren,” Abrishami said. “Gen X and Gen Z alike can enjoy 9 To 5, whether you listened to it more on TikTok or a record.”She was an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community.People in the LGBTQ+ community may be feeling the loss particularly hard since she was an advocate for them, speaking against anti-LGBTQ+ policies and so much more.“Especially as a queer individual, Dolly Parton was an American icon,” said Dr. Alice Hoang, a Dolly fan and owner of Brooklyn Mint Dental. “Her messages resonated with all of us, and the community has admired Dolly throughout her career and everything she did in support of the queer community. Dolly’s messages helped us find out who we were and with purpose.”Other individuals in the community shared similar sentiments.“Dolly’s passing hits quite hard today, especially as a gay man from a small Midwest town,” said Nate Brooking, senior executive assistant at Octave. “Her spirit and her music got me through tough times as a child trying to figure out who I was.“Like many others in the LGBTQIA+ community, she taught me how to be comfortable in myself and to walk proud in the world.”Regardless of identity, the impact Dolly had on you is undoubtedly real — and that extends to the feelings you experience in the wake of her death.Simply put by Wallach: “It makes sense that someone who has been woven into our lives in such a big way impacts us when she dies.”Dolly Parton on stage at the Grammys in 2019Again, if you’re feeling sad about Dolly’s death, you’re not alone. Social media will tell you that.Most of us, technically, have a parasocial relationship with her — a one-sided relationship in which she doesn’t know us and there’s an illusion of a face-to-face relationship — but that doesn’t mean your feelings aren’t real and valid.“Grief isn’t proportional to how well you knew someone,” Wallach explained. “Sometimes we’re grieving the person, but we’re also grieving a time in our own lives that they represent. All of your feelings are real and OK.”Knowing an experience has a name can be helpful, and what we’re looking at here does. It’s called “collective grief”.“Collective grief is a shared emotion of pain, sadness and mourning experienced by a community somewhat universally after a loss of a well-known individual or tragic event,” Abrishami said.That can look like a community grieving the loss of a public official, their homes after a wildfire or a favourite entertainer, Brown added. That loss and sadness are significant. They speak to who Dolly was.“Collective grief posits that one person had such a significant impact on society as a whole that their passing affects a large amount of people individually on a very profound emotional level,” Cromer said.READ MORE:11 Reasons Dolly Parton Was One Of The World's Most Universally Loved StarsNo Filter, All Rhinestones: Remembering Dolly Parton With 21 Of Her Best One-LinersI Watched Dolly Parton's 9 To 5 And It's Still Relevant For Women Today

Dolly Parton on stage at Glastonbury in 2014As the world mourns Dolly Parton, a surge in streams has seen some of her biggest hits soaring back up the UK singles chart.On Friday evening, the Official Charts Company revealed that the pioneering country star’s signature hit Jolene had re-entered the top 10, sitting at number nine.Just behind at 12 was another of Dolly’s hits, 9 To 5, which previously peaked at number 47 in the UK upon its release in 1981, marking a new chart high for the classic tune.A third showing for Dolly in this week’s top 40 comes in the form of her Kenny Rogers duet Islands In The Stream, which is currently number 13, while her hits collection Diamonds & Rhinestones is the fifth biggest album in the UK this week.“Dolly Parton’s extraordinary legacy continues to shine through the Official Charts,” the Official Charts Company’s co-managing directors said in a statement on Friday.“To see Jolene, 9 to 5 and Islands In The Stream return to the Top 40, alongside Diamonds & Rhinestones reaching the Albums Chart Top 10, is a powerful reflection of the UK’s enduring love for her music.“A true icon whose songs have crossed generations, these chart returns are a fitting celebration of Dolly’s incredible life, career and lasting impact.”Dolly began her recording career in the 1960s, going on to release 49 studio albums in her lifetime, culminating in 2023’s Rockstar, which preceded her induction into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.Over the course of her music career, Dolly secured 11 Grammys and 10 Country Music Association Awards, including lifetime achievement wins from both organisations.In addition to her career as a singer-songwriter, Dolly was also an established actor, appearing in films like Steel Magnolias and 9 To 5, as well as a celebrated philanthropist, most notably co-founding the Imagination Library initiative, which aimed to ensure that all children had access to books.READ MORE:11 Reasons Dolly Parton Was One Of The World's Most Universally Loved StarsNo Filter, All Rhinestones: Remembering Dolly Parton With 21 Of Her Best One-LinersRemembering Dolly Parton's Triumphant And 'Magic' Glastonbury Set

Legendary country music icon Dolly Parton passed away on August 25, 2026, at the age of 80 following a brief battle with cancer. Her representatives confirmed that the singer died at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville, surrounded by her loved ones. The type of cancer was not disclosed.Following her death, Bollywood actress Kareena Kapoor remembered the iconic singer by sharing several of Dolly’s quotes that she holds close to her heart. Priyanka Chopra Jonas also paid an emotional tribute to the country music legend, sharing videos of Dolly and reflecting on her words and outlook on life.Kareena Kapoor Remembers Dolly PartonKareena shared a quote by Dolly Parton that read, “Make a list of the things you love about yourself. Now, it can be big or small. Like, I cook a mean chicken pot pie. Or, I'm a great mom! And if you tell yourself enough nice things, eventually, you'll believe them.”Re-sharing the quote on her Instagram Stories, Kareena wrote, “My girl ❤️ Love you forever you diva.”Kareena also shared another popular quote by Dolly, which read, “The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you got to put up with the rain.” The actress captioned it, “Uff queen things.”She went on to share another quote by the late singer: “If your actions create a legacy that inspires others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, then you are an excellent leader.” Kareena captioned the post, “Leader forever.”Priyanka Chopra Remembers Heartfelt Moments With Dolly PartonPriyanka Chopra Jonas also remembered Dolly by sharing a video in which the singer was asked during an interview what she would like written on her tombstone. Dolly responded with her trademark humour, joking about “Tombstone pepperoni” and adding that she was “not going anywhere soon.”Sharing the clip, Priyanka wrote, “You're never going anywhere... forever with us... rest in peace.”Priyanka also shared another video in which Dolly spoke about having no regrets in her life. In the clip, the singer explained that what may have appeared to be her biggest mistakes to others ultimately turned out to be some of the biggest blessings of her life.Taylor Swift Pays Tribute To Dolly PartonTaylor Swift paid her heartfelt tribute to Dolly. She said to USA Today, "A world without Dolly doesn’t feel possible, real, or right. But because of the eternally generous way she spent her time on this earth and the countless lives she changed for the better, her legacy will be an everlasting one." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Taylor Swift (@taylorswift) Miley Cyrus Tribute For Her FriendMiley Cyrus wrote in a statement, ""I am deeply saddened by the passing of my friend, Dolly Parton. One of the most extraordinary musical experiences of my life was recording with her. The world is a poorer place without her." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Billy Ray Cyrus (@billyraycyrus) Reese Witherspoon Touching Tribute For Dolly PartonReese Witherspoon wrote, "I count my lucky stars that I called Dolly my friend. When I was playing June Carter Cash in Walk the Line, she took me to dinner and told me stories of how June Carter charmed everyone in country music. Dolly gave me the courage to put my whole spirit into that performance and made me see how lucky I was to be a storyteller." Reese remembered how Dolly used to send her "notes of encouragement and support" throughout her career. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Reese Witherspoon (@reesewitherspoon) Blake Shelton Calls Dolly Parton's Death A True LossBlake Shelton who worked with Dolly on The Voice wrote, "I can say with absolute certainty that we are all feeling the same heart I can say with absolute certainty that we are all feeling the same heart brokenness today. I only got to spend any real time with Dolly when Gwen and I got to work with her on The Voice. I want everyone to know that she was the EXACT person that you think she is. It was like being with the funnest, most loving, most caring and closest member of your family. Truly a loss for the entire world." I can say with absolute certainty that we are all feeling the same heart brokenness today. I only got to spend any real time with Dolly when Gwen and I got to work with her on The Voice. I want everyone to know that she was the EXACT person that you think she is. It was like… pic.twitter.com/9ycD4lSpO9— Blake Shelton (@blakeshelton) August 25, 2026 Beyonce Pays Tribute To 'Bold & Brilliant' Dolly PartonBeyonce posted, "Dolly, you were the barometer. The north star. Bold and brilliant. Talented and tenacious. You taught so many lessons on how to be uniquely oneself. I am grateful for your art, your heart, your generosity, your humor, your entrepreneurship. I’m honored that I had the privilege to work with you. I will treasure that forever. Thank you for your profound impact on the world. You are an angel who has made this world a happier place because of your joyful art."Beyoncé pays tribute to the late Dolly Parton:“Dolly, you were the barometer. The North Star. Bold and brilliant. Talented and tenacious. You taught so many lessons on how to be uniquely oneself. I am grateful for your art, your heart, your generosity, your humor, your… pic.twitter.com/jqxvXBkRTn— Pop Base (@PopBase) August 25, 2026 Dolly Parton, known for timeless hits such as “Jolene,” “I Will Always Love You” and “9 to 5,” leaves behind a remarkable legacy spanning music, films, business and philanthropy.