The world has lost a legend.
Perhaps not since the untimely deaths of Elvis Presley and John Lennon have music fans and people of all walks of life experienced a loss as profound as Dolly Parton’s passing today, August 25, 2026. The news of Dolly’s passing was shared via her Instragram by her nephew and head of security, Bryan Seaver. She was 80 years old.
Against all odds, Dolly overcame the most humble Tennessee beginnings to reign as the undisputed queen of country music. Her many hits include “Jolene,” “I Will Always Love You,” “9 to 5,” “Islands in the Stream,” and many others. Dolly gained new fans and accolades for her turns in such films as “9 to 5,” “Steel Magnolias,” and “Straight Talk.” A television movie based on her life, “Dolly Parton’s Coat of Many Colors,” premiered on NBC in 2015; a sequel, “Dolly Parton’s Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love,” followed in 2016.
Dolly’s legacy goes far beyond music and movies, however. Dolly was a generous philanthropist, having donated more than 300 million books to children in five countries through her Imagination Library. She was a savvy entrepreneur, expanding into perfume and cosmetics, kitchenware and home goods, and cake mixes and pies, just to name a few. Her Dollywood theme park and Dollywood’s Splash Country waterpark have won numerous awards and welcomed countless guests over the years. In recent years, she opened Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort & Spa and Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort in Pigeon Forge. A new property, Dolly Parton’s SongTeller Hotel, including Dolly’s Life of Many Colors Museum, is scheduled to open in Nashville soon.
In 2023, Dolly Parton was the cover story for ConventionSouth‘s “Music & Meetings” November issue. Dolly shared about the inspirations behind her music and her approach to hospitality through Dollywood Parks & Resorts. We are honored to have been among Dolly’s industry partners and hope to play a continued role as The Dollywood Co. carries on with her many ventures.
Dollywood Parks & Resorts issued the following statement, shared with ConventionSouth via the company’s public relations firm:
“The greatest privilege of my life has been helping Dolly bring her dreams to life at Dollywood,” said Eugene Naughton, president of Dollywood Parks & Resorts. “Dolly’s heart was as vast as the mountains she cherished, and her compassion knew no bounds. She inspired generations to dream boldly and love deeply. While we grieve her loss, we are honored and committed to carry her light forward. Her legacy will continue to shine in every melody sung, every smile shared, and every dream kindled within these gates.”
Dollywood will be open Wednesday, August 26, as Dolly wanted, always reminding everyone with her signature sparkle, “The show must go on.” Dollywood Parks & Resorts wishes to honor Dolly by carrying forward her message of love, perseverance, and hope.
