Country Music Icon Dolly Parton Dies at 80
Country music legend and East Tennessee icon Dolly Parton has died at the age of 80 after a battle with cancer. Her family has requested that fans honor her memory by donating to her Imagination Library program, which provides free…
Nashville, TN, August 26, 2026 —
Dolly Parton, the celebrated country music artist and beloved East Tennessee icon, has passed away at the age of 80. Her death follows a period of battling cancer.
In the wake of her passing, Parton’s family has encouraged fans to honor her memory through charitable acts. Specifically, they have requested that donations be made to her longstanding program, the Imagination Library. This initiative is dedicated to providing free books to children globally, fostering early literacy and a love for reading.
The Dollywood theme park, a venture deeply associated with Parton’s legacy, also issued a statement. The park’s message resonated with the family’s call to action, urging patrons and supporters to contribute to the Imagination Library. The statement further emphasized the profound and enduring impact Dolly Parton has had throughout her career and life.
The Imagination Library, founded by Parton in 1995, has grown significantly over the years. It initially started by mailing books to children in her home county in Tennessee and has since expanded its reach to encompass millions of children across the United States, Canada, Australia, Ireland, and the United Kingdom. The program’s mission is to inspire a lifelong love of reading by providing children with the fundamental building blocks for success.
Details regarding the specific nature of her cancer battle were not immediately provided. Further information regarding services or memorials is expected to be released by the family.
Story summarized from the original created by Camruinn Morgan-Rumsey on www.wsmv.com, see more information here.
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