Country music legend Dolly Parton has died aged 80, with her family saying she has been welcomed into "the arms of Jesus".
Her death was announced by her nephew and long-time head of security, Bryan Seaver, in a video message shared on social media on Tuesday. He said the family had known for years that Dolly wanted him to make the announcement when the time came.
"But sadness lies with us, not with Dolly. Dolly has lived in the light, and is in the arms of Jesus," Seaver said.
He added that she was "surely met by Carl, her parents, and countless others who have watched her and longed for her to meet them in the heavens".
Parton's husband of almost 60 years, Carl Dean, died in March 2025.
Alongside her extraordinary career in country music, Parton was open about her Christian faith, which remained a significant part of her life.
Raised in Tennessee, she grew up in a Christian family and began singing in church as a child. Her faith was reflected throughout her career in the way she regularly spoke about prayer and her relationship with God.
"My faith has always been so important to me... I pray every day. I pray about everything," Parton said in a 2017 CBN interview.
Her Christian faith was also highlighted in her music.
She released several Christian and gospel albums throughout her career, including The Golden Streets of Glory in 1971, Precious Memories in 1999 and The Gospel Collection in 2006.
In 2019, Parton collaborated with Christian rock artist Zach Williams. The pair released the Christian song There Was Jesus, which went on to win a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song.
Williams is among the many artists who have paid tribute to Parton following her death.
"Dolly, your songs, your faith, and the way you loved people impacted me more than you probably ever will know," Williams wrote.
"You showed all of us that success didn't have to change your heart, and that we could use what God gave us to make life a little better for somebody else."
He thanked Parton for "the road you paved, the music you gave us, and the example you set for artists like me".
Country music icon Reba McEntire also remembered her friend and fellow legend.
Sharing a series of photographs of the pair, McEntire wrote that Parton had "passed onto the higher and greater side".
"Dolly, thank you for all the wonderful things you did for us here on earth. Your love, your music and you gave so much with your huge huge heart. There will never ever be another you."
"Thank you, Lord, for Dolly. She's gonna have a blast in heaven singing all her favourite songs with all her family and friends who have gone on before her," she added.
The Jackson family also paid tribute to Parton, sharing a series of photographs from their meeting with her in England in 1977.
"We are deeply saddened by the passing of the incomparable Dolly Parton. Dolly was a true trailblazer. Through her extraordinary talent, kindness and generosity, she opened doors and inspired generations around the world," the family wrote on Instagram.
"Thank you, Dolly, for the music, the joy and the light you shared with us all," they added.
"May you rest peacefully in the loving arms of the Lord, reunited with your husband Carl and the many loved ones who made their journey to Heaven before you."
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum also paid tribute to Parton's extraordinary life and influence.
"Dolly Parton's legacy is not celebrity, but humanity," Kyle Young, CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, said.
Young described her as "a champion of equality and literacy" and praised the way she shared her success for the benefit of others.
"She came from poverty to become the most important native of Tennessee. She shared her fortunes for the good of all of us, and shared her soul in every note she sang."
UK Christian music artist Philippa Hanna also paid tribute to Parton, describing her as a "light, a leader and a musical apostle".
"My heart is so saddened that mother Dolly has been promoted to glory. She was a light, a leader, a musical apostle. She was a prolific creator, a philanthropist and someone who changed the game for female songwriters the world over. There are no words really," Hanna wrote.
Hanna recalled meeting Parton and giving her a copy of her testimony book.
"I'm just so grateful I had the chance to meet her and to place my testimony book in her hands. So graciously she received it, saying in her unmistakably sweet way, 'Well, I've been looking for something good to read on the bus.'"
Hanna said she had always hoped she would have the opportunity to write a song with Parton.
"That dream can't come to pass now, but she will join the cloud of witnesses in heaven who I'll remember in the harder times," she wrote.
Parton's nephew also reflected on the impact she had on generations of musicians.
He added in his video message: "Our family and the team she has entrusted with her legacy will work diligently to ensure her spirit will live with us forever. Dolly was a farmer, just like her daddy. He farmed the soil, she farmed songs and happiness. Dolly called me and said she wants to rest in a beautiful bed of plush cotton, because after a life wearing heavy rhinestones, she finally deserves to be comfortable and have some rest."
A private funeral service will be held for immediate family.
