The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
Iconic country music star Dolly Parton has died at the age of 80, according to an announcement from her family on social media.
In a video message, Parton’s nephew Brian Seaver said the family was grieving, while emphasizing that Dolly had lived a life filled with light and faith. He said she was now “in the arms of Jesus.”
The family described Parton as a global icon, humanitarian, singer, songwriter, actress, philanthropist, playwright and author who died peacefully in Nashville, Tennessee.
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Parton was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Carl Thomas Dean, who died in 2025, as well as her mother, Avie Lee Caroline Owens, and father, Robert Lee Parton Sr.
Her family said her remarkable life and seven-decade career left an enduring legacy through her music, songwriting, generosity, humor and kindness. They said her influence extended across generations and that her commitment to improving the lives of others would continue to inspire people around the world.
Born in 1946, Parton grew up in poverty in a one-room cabin along Tennessee’s Little Pigeon River. She was the fourth of 12 children. Her father, Robert Lee Parton, worked as a tobacco farmer and reportedly paid a missionary with a sack of cornmeal for helping deliver her.
Music was a major part of her childhood. Her mother, Avie Lee, frequently sang folk songs, while an aunt who played guitar and wrote songs also influenced Dolly’s musical development. Her uncle later accompanied her on guitar during some of her earliest performances.
Parton began singing at her local church, where her grandfather served as pastor, when she was just six years old. Before reaching her teenage years, she was already performing on local television.
At 13, she achieved an early career milestone when she appeared at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, marking the beginning of a remarkable journey in country music.
