Dolly Parton, Country Music Icon, Dies at 80

Country music legend Dolly Parton has passed away at the age of 80. The news was confirmed by her nephew, Bryan Seaver, in a video message shared on social media.

Seaver, who served as her head of security for over two decades, said Parton had asked him years ago to deliver the announcement. He described the moment as one of "absolute pride and great sadness," adding that while the sadness lies with the living, Parton herself "lived in the light" and is now at peace.

Parton's career spanned more than six decades, beginning with her 1967 debut album Hello, I'm Dolly. She went on to become the best-selling female country artist of all time, with over 160 million albums sold worldwide. Her catalog includes timeless hits such as "Jolene," "9 to 5," and "I Will Always Love You."

She was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1999, with her close friend and duet partner Kenny Rogers presiding over the ceremony. Her final Grammy win came in 2021 for the contemporary Christian song "There Was Jesus," recorded with Zach Williams.

In recent months, Parton had been in the headlines after canceling a planned Las Vegas residency due to health issues. Her family has asked for privacy as they mourn the loss of a woman they called "Sis," "Granny," and "Gigi."