Country music superstar Dolly Parton has died at the age of 80 following a "brief battle with cancer." Tributes are pouring in from around the world for the iconic singer.

Her publicist, Marcel Pariseau, confirmed the news in a statement to media outlets, saying, "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 type of cancer was not disclosed.

Parton, best known for genre-defining hits like "9 To 5," "I Will Always Love You," and "Jolene," had a career spanning over 60 years. The statement continued, "Our beloved Dolly Parton spent her life and career bringing joy, laughter, hope and integrity into everything she touched. Her unmatched generosity reached the lives of countless people whom she would never meet, yet she was always there to offer a helping hand."

The publicist's statement also highlighted her philanthropic efforts: "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."

Dolly's death was announced late on Tuesday, August 25, by her nephew Bryan Seaver, who also served as her head of security, in an Instagram video. Seaver described sharing the news as "an honour that is mixed with absolute pride and great sadness," adding, "But sadness lies with us, not with Dolly. Dolly has lived in the light and is in the arms of Jesus, surely met by Carl, her parents and countless others who have watched her and longed to meet her in the heavens." Dolly's husband, Carl Dean, died last year at 82.

US President Donald Trump announced that flags would be lowered throughout America in Dolly's honour, posting on Truth Social that "there has never been anyone like her."

Tributes from across the entertainment industry have flooded in. Actress Jane Fonda, who starred with Parton in "9 To 5" and was a lifelong friend, wrote on Instagram: "I am devastated. I just learned that Dolly has moved on. I know that millions are mourning and I want to say this – more than anyone I have ever known, Dolly will always be with us because she was so present, so powerful, so generous and playful that she is woven into all our lives and hearts forever. We have our memories of her, her songs, Dollywood, '9to5', the millions of books she got into the hands of children, all the iconic images that bring her to us. And they are all blessings. Let's be grateful for all that she has left us to ease our sadness now."

Beyoncé, who collaborated with Parton on her 2024 album "Cowboy Carter," called her the "north star" for the industry. A statement on Beyoncé's website read: "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. You are truly one of one. Rest peacefully."

Miley Cyrus stated that a world without Dolly Parton "doesn't feel possible, real, or right." In a statement shared with media outlets including People, Cyrus said: "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. She was truly the gift that kept on giving. Dolly gave us someone to look up to while encouraging us to be who we are as individuals. Somehow, she was able to give us her lessons about the world gently and honestly, simultaneously, and oftentimes hilariously."

Other music industry figures honouring Parton include Sir Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Sir Elton John, and Billy Joel. At 9:25 PM on Tuesday local time, New York's Empire State Building lit up to pay tribute to a "global cultural icon whose seven-decade career reached generations of fans," according to a social media statement.

In May, Parton pulled out of a highly-anticipated Las Vegas residency, which was due to begin in September, after having already postponed her six-date run at The Colosseum Theatre at Caesars Palace from December 2025 to deal with "health challenges."

At Dolly's request, a small, private funeral service will be held for immediate family, as stated by her family on social media. In lieu of flowers, her family has asked for donations to be made to Dolly Parton's Imagination Library at imaginationlibrary.com.

Born in a single-room cabin in Locust Ridge, Tennessee, in 1946, as the fourth of 12 children, Dolly began her musical journey at age six, singing in her grandfather's local church. By 13, she had performed at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee. Over her more than 60-year career, Dolly sold over 100 million records worldwide and wrote more than 3,000 songs, including hits "Coat Of Many Colours" and "Joshua."