Tennessee’s political leaders pay tribute to Dolly Parton

Tennessee leaders described Dolly Parton as an “iconic leader” and “beacon of light” following her death on Tuesday at the age of 80.Often just known as Dolly, she was born in Sevier County and shared the story through music and a television show of her poor upbringing as one of 12 children in a Smoky Mountains home. Her nephew, Bryan Seaver, shared the news of her death on social media.
Parton gave back to her state and hometown through her philanthropic and economic endeavors. She started Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in 1995, which provides books to children from birth to age 5. The program started in Tennessee and spread across the U.S. and to four other countries. She also donated $1 million to Vanderbilt University for research on the COVID-19 vaccine during the pandemic.
Among her economic endeavors are her amusement park, Dollywood, and the dinner show Stampede, which also has a location in Branson, Missouri.
“Rare is the one who climbs to the pinnacle of fame, then scoffs at its allure, only to retain the genuine humility that defines them,” Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee said in a social media post. “Dolly Parton was one of a kind, who loved people, her work, her family, and her Lord. Tennessee has forever been changed – enhanced – by her, and will never be quite the same without Dolly.”
Parton was “talented beyond compare, and an entrepreneurial juggernaut who played an integral role in transforming our state,” said U.S. Sen. Bill Hagerty, R-Tenn., in a social media post. “She brought laughter and joy to so many through her musical and philanthropic endeavors. She will be deeply, deeply missed.”
A cause of death was not given.
She was beloved beyond Nashville, the home of country music. It was there, however, that she became known for her figure, unmistakable voice, self-depreciating humor and music sewing together generations.
Her hit tunes “Jolene,” “Coat of Many Colors” and “I Will Always Love You” collectively netted 1 billion online streams and more than 100 million sales around the world. Banjos, guitars and dulcimers were part of her repertoire in a career that include a Grand Ole Opry start at age 13 with introduction by legend Johnny Cash.
Her career crossed over to the pop charts with amazing success. She’s in the Country Music Hall of Fame, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum, Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. Parton earned a lifetime achievement award by the Recording Academy, and was chosen for the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in 2025.
Only Beyoncé and Taylor Swift have more than Parton’s 55 Grammy nominations. She won 10 times.
Democratic Tennessee state Sen. Heidi Campbell called Parton a “beacon of light.”
“She was a doyenne not just of business and music- but of compassion, empathy, civility, dignity, self-deprecating humor, and all the good things that make people love people- what a loss for us all,” Campbell said on social media.
Parton leaves a void that no one can fill, said U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn, the Republican candidate for governor.
“There are no words to adequately express the sorrow our family and indeed, all Tennesseans, feel in the loss of Dolly Parton,” Blackburn said. “An iconic leader who loved our great state and nation.”
President Donald Trump called Parton’s death a loss for millions of people.
“There has never been anyone like her, and never will,” Trump said in a social media post. “In her honor, I am lowering the American flag throughout the United States for a one week period beginning tonight at 6 p.m.”

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