US country music star Dolly Parton has died at the age of 80 after a "brief battle with cancer," according to her publicist, Marcel Pariseau.

Parton died at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center surrounded by loved ones. Her death was announced on Tuesday via an Instagram video by her nephew, Bryan Seaver, who also served as the singer's head of security.

Tributes and official honors

Flags will be lowered throughout America in Parton's honour, US President Donald Trump announced, posting on Truth Social "there has never been anyone like her".

At 9:25 pm on Tuesday, the Empire State building lit up to honour the singer, a statement on social media saying the move paid tribute to a "global cultural icon whose seven-decade career reached generations of fans."

Industry figures and friends offered tributes following the news:

• Jane Fonda: The actress, who starred in the film "9 To 5" with Parton, expressed devastation on Instagram, noting that Parton was "so present, so powerful, so generous and playful that she is woven into all our lives and hearts forever."
• Beyonce: The singer, who worked with Parton on her 2024 album "Cowboy Carter," described Parton as the "north star" for the industry. A statement on Beyonce's website read: "Dolly, you were the barometer. The north star. Bold and brilliant. Talented and tenacious. You taught so many lessons on how to be uniquely oneself."

Career and philanthropic impact

Parton's career spanned more than 60 years. She sold more than 100 million records worldwide and wrote more than 3,000 songs, including "9 To 5," "I Will Always Love You," "Jolene," "Coat Of Many Colours," and "Joshua." She wrote "I Will Always Love You" as a goodbye to her former creative partner Porter Wagoner.

Beyond music, Parton was a businesswoman with an empire that included a theme park, aptly named Dollywood, and a pioneering philanthropist. Her notable contributions included:

• Imagination Library: A book-gifting programme that has given more than 300 million books to children in need.
• Medical Research: In 2020, she donated $1 million to coronavirus research at Vanderbilt University, which helped fund Moderna's Covid-19 vaccine.
• Charitable Support: She was also a supporter of several charities for black and LGBTQ+ communities, as well as the Barbara Davis Centre for Childhood Diabetes, Save the Music Foundation and the Boot Campaign.

A statement from Imagination Library expressed heartbreak at the loss of their founder but noted that the foundation was built to last for generations.

Personal life and final months

Born in 1946 in a single-room cabin in Locust Ridge, Tennessee, Parton was the fourth of 12 children. She began her musical journey at the age of six and had reached the pinnacle of country music success - an appearance at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee by the age of 13. Her husband, Carl Dean, died last year, aged 82.

In May, the country star pulled out of a highly anticipated Las Vegas residency, which was due to begin in September. She had already postponed her six-date run at The Colosseum Theatre at Caesars Palace from December 2025 to deal with "health challenges."

At Parton's request, a small, private funeral service will be held for immediate family. In lieu of flowers, her family asked for donations to be made to Dolly Parton's Imagination Library at imaginationlibrary.com.