Dolly Parton, the country music singer and songwriter whose Imagination Library has mailed more than 2 million free books to Alabama children, died Tuesday in Nashville. She was 80.
Her nephew Bryan Seaver, her head of security for more than two decades, announced the death in a video posted to Parton’s social media accounts. A statement from her representatives said she “died peacefully.” No cause of death was given.
“Dolly has lived in the light, and is in the arms of Jesus, surely met by Carl, her parents, and countless others who have watched her and longed for her to meet them in the heavens,” Seaver said.
“This video announcement is something Dolly asked of me years ago, before I fully absorbed it as a future reality,” he said.
“Rest in peace, Aunt Dolly. Aunt Granny. Gigi. May God bless Dolly Parton, and may God bless you all. She will always love you,” Seaver said.
Parton’s team said her immediate family will hold “a small, private service.”
A message from the family of Dolly Parton. pic.twitter.com/9DNRgRx0uH
— Dolly Parton (@DollyParton) August 25, 2026
In lieu of flowers, the family asked for donations to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, the program that mails a free book each month to children from birth to age 5.
Governor Kay Ivey announced Alabama’s partnership with the program in her January 2023 inaugural address and launched the statewide expansion that August, with Parton appearing by video.
“I’m so excited to help announce that my Imagination Library is coming to Alabama,” Parton said at the launch, thanking Ivey for her leadership.
The program reached all 67 counties by November 2024. In December, Ivey announced the state had passed 2 million books mailed, with more than 106,000 Alabama children enrolled.
“I am proud that every young learner in all 67 counties has the opportunity to participate,” Ivey said.
On Tuesday, Governor Ivey mourned her loss.
“I’m saddened to learn of the beloved Dolly Parton’s passing,” Ivey wrote. “She touched many lives with her songs and heart for children.”
I’m saddened to learn of the beloved Dolly Parton’s passing. She touched many lives with her songs and heart for children. Her Imagination Library reached young readers across Alabama, planting big dreams with each book. Her joy and hope endure. Dolly, we will always love you.
— Governor Kay Ivey (@GovernorKayIvey) August 25, 2026
“Her Imagination Library reached young readers across Alabama, planting big dreams with each book. Her joy and hope endure. Dolly, we will always love you,” the governor wrote.
Parton’s last Alabama concert was Nov. 16, 2016, at the Von Braun Center in Huntsville, on her final headlining tour.
Parton had disclosed health problems over the past year, canceling a Las Vegas residency and skipping a Dollywood ride opening this month on her doctor’s advice. Her husband of nearly 60 years, Carl Dean, died in March 2025.
