Dolly Parton dies at 80; tributes from Sabrina Carpenter, Shania Twain

Country music legend Dolly Parton died on August 25, 2026, at the age of 80 following a brief battle with cancer. The news prompted an outpouring of tributes from across the music industry, with fellow stars Sabrina Carpenter and Shania Twain sharing personal memories and honoring her profound legacy.

Parton's death was confirmed by her representatives, who stated she passed away surrounded by loved ones at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville. They noted she had been bravely facing the illness. Her nephew, Bryan Seaver, first announced her passing in a video message. Parton had been open about health challenges in recent years, including postponing and canceling Las Vegas concert dates.

Pop singer Sabrina Carpenter, who collaborated with Parton on a 2025 reworking of her hit "Please Please Please," shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram. Carpenter recalled their initial meeting, writing that the only thing she could say was, "she really is an angel walking the earth and we look like we could be sisters!" She expressed her grief and gratitude, adding, "I will cherish our laughter and conversations and I will keep your wisdom, your playful outlook on life, and...