Dolly Rebecca Parton

Dolly Rebecca Parton, true country music legend, storyteller, businesswoman, philanthropist, and simply one of the most loved people from our Smoky Mountain region and East Tennessee, passed away on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, in Nashville, Tennessee, at the age of 80.

Dolly was born in rural East Tennessee on January 19, 1946. She was one of twelve children and a daughter of Avie Lee Caroline Owens and Robert Lee Parton, Sr. Growing up in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, she grew up in a family full of love, faith, and music. From humble beginnings as a little girl, she had big dreams, an amazing voice, a determination we all strive for, and a heart of gold.

From the stage to the movie screen, she captured us all. Well remembered for songs that touched our hearts and roles that made us laugh, she truly is a woman we shall always hold dear. We all remember singing 9 to 5, Jolene, Islands in the Stream, or countless other songs as we drove down the road going to work, to school, or even on a trip to Dollywood. Watching her on the screen in movies like 9 to 5 and Steel Magnolias.

In all her roles on stage and off, Dolly was always unmistakably kind, generous, loving, and could make you laugh. Whether you saw her on stage, on the screen, at her beloved Dollywood, or at many of the events she attended in our local areas, she would captivate you with her storytelling, her voice, her laugh, and her love for everything she did. In her presence, you always felt like a neighbor or a friend, and she always had something funny to say.

She never lost her love for the Smoky Mountains, the people there, and her devotion to helping those not only in the Smokies but also throughout the world. Her greatest gift was the Imagination Library, sending books to children across the world. The books give children the joy of reading, discovering new things, learning to dream big, and to never give up. And she did not stop there; she extended her love and compassion to education, healthcare, disaster relief, and so much more we could never list it all or do her justice.

Some words of wisdom from Dolly:

“I always thought if you see somebody without a smile, give em yours.”

“Always be true to yourself, what you believe, and where you come from… you’ll need those roots sooner or later”

“I imagined it, I dreamed it, I worked for it, and God was good enough to let me have it”

As you read through her words of wisdom, she tells us all to reach for the stars and dream big, and remember a little kindness goes a long way. Dolly would tell you to work hard, stay focused, and have fun along the way. Its not what you have, its not how you grew up, its what you can leave behind, and the love you can spread. We all fell in love with Dolly because she was always true to herself, true to her roots, and could make everyone feel like they were at home.

For some of us, our parents and grandparents got to witness the rise of Dolly. But for the rest of us, we have only ever known her as the Icon she became. For us, there was never NOT a Dolly. But how precious to be remembered, not even just for timeless music, but for having a special soul that stays true to herself and helps so many.

The Arnett & Steele Family is not the funeral home providing services to Dolly’s family; however, we are honored to invite our friends, neighbors, and community members to join us in honoring the remarkable Dolly Parton. We welcome you to stop by either of our locations in Harrogate or Pineville to sign a register book in honor of Dolly and share a message, a memory, or how she has touched your life here on our website. The register book will be available this week, August 31 through September 4, 2026, from 8:30 AM until 4:00 PM, and it will then be sent to the Imagination Library for their archives.

Memorials:

In celebration of Dolly’s love and lasting commitment for children and the joy of reading, her family has requested that those who wish to honor her to send donations to her Imagination Library at www.ImaginationLibrary.com.

“When I was growing up in the hills of East Tennessee, I knew my dreams would come true. I know there are children in your community with their own dreams. They dream of becoming a doctor or an inventor or a minister. Who knows, maybe there is a little girl whose dream is to be a writer and singer. The seeds of these dreams are often found in books, and the seeds you help plant in your community can grow across the world.” Dolly Parton

Click here for A Message from the Family of Dolly Parton

Click Here to read more about the Life and Legacy of Dolly Parton

Excerpt from Her Tribute Page:

A rhinestone life that shone bright enough for the world to see, Dolly will forever stand as an inspiration not only through her timeless music and prolific songwriting, but also her wit, warmth, and kindness that made us all feel like family. Dolly Parton’s legacy is one of love, kindness, and resilience. With a seven-decade career, she inspired multiple generations of artists and fans with her music and an unwavering commitment to making the world a better place. Her songs will continue to resonate with people of all ages, and her philanthropic work will have a lasting impact.