Dolly Parton Dies at 80; Disney Airs Tribute Special

Country music icon Dolly Parton died on August 25, 2026, at the age of 80, following a brief battle with cancer. Her team confirmed she passed away at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville, surrounded by loved ones. The news prompted an outpouring of tributes from across the entertainment industry and around the world, honoring a career that spanned nearly seven decades and extended far beyond music into philanthropy, business, and popular culture.

Parton grew up in the mountains of East Tennessee before building a multifaceted legacy as a singer, songwriter, actress, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. Her catalog of songs, including "Jolene," "I Will Always Love You," and "9 to 5," became embedded in American pop culture. Her influence, however, reached well beyond her recordings, touching millions through her charitable work and business ventures like the Dollywood theme park.

In the wake of her death, Disney released a special tribute for fans. A special edition of the program "2020," titled "Dolly Parton: An American Original," aired on ABC on August 26 and is now available to stream on Disney+ and Hulu. Anchored by David Muir, the hourlong special celebrates Parton's...