ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO — Dolly Parton, the legendary country music singer, songwriter, actress, and philanthropist whose career spanned more than six decades, has died at the age of 80. Her death was announced Tuesday by her family.
Parton became one of the most recognizable and beloved entertainers in the world through a career that produced iconic songs including Jolene, 9 to 5, Coat of Many Colors, and I Will Always Love You. Over the course of her career, she sold more than 100 million records, earned multiple Grammy Awards, starred in films such as 9 to 5 and Steel Magnolias, and became one of country music’s most influential figures.
In recent months, Parton had faced a series of health challenges, including canceled appearances and performances. Her death comes a little more than a year after the loss of her husband of nearly six decades, Carl Dean, who died in 2025.
Beyond entertainment, Parton was widely admired for her philanthropy. Through her Imagination Library, she helped provide millions of free books to children worldwide and became a leading advocate for literacy and education.
Parton’s impact extended to New Mexico through the Imagination Library program, which has helped provide books to children and encourage early childhood literacy in communities across the state. Her music, charitable work, and larger-than-life personality made her a beloved figure for generations of New Mexicans.
From her humble beginnings in rural Tennessee to international superstardom, Dolly Parton’s life and career left an enduring mark on music, film, and philanthropy. She is remembered not only for her talent and success, but also for her generosity, humor, and devotion to helping others.
