Jolene is my favorite Dolly Parton song, but there are so many. For someone like me who does not like country music, hers crossed over that chasm and grabbed me anyway.
Sadly, her family announced that she has passed at the age of 80. Just 4 days ago, she sent a statement to People Magazine.
“As I’ve shared in video messages throughout the past year, I am dealing with some health issues that I just didn’t pay attention to when I was watching over Carl,” she wrote. “You know, this isn’t the first time I’ve had to manage something like this. Back in the early ’80s, I was down for several months with female issues, and I was struggling with my weight at the time too, so it’s not like I haven’t been through hard times with my health.”
“But I think because we live in a 24/7 world with social media, everything gets magnified in ways it wasn’t years ago,” she added. “I used to joke that I was the Queen of the Tabloids, but now I guess I can say I’m the Queen of Social Media AI! Seriously, though, even though I’m still healin’, I’m still workin’! You know me — as I’ve often said — I’ve dreamed myself into a corner and I still have so many things I want to achieve, so I’m gonna keep on working as long as I can to see everything come to life.”
Dolly Parton was truly a good person from the top of her head to the tip of her toes. Her philanthropy is legendary. Through the Dollywood Foundation, she has given to pediatric hospitals, established programs to help literacy rates, and helped victims of wildfires. She declined the Medal of Freedom twice when it was offered by the current occupant of the White House and also by President Biden, saying she “doesn’t do politics.”
And yet. Just by example, she led people.
When I saw her in 9 to 5, I had such respect for her. No longer the tabloid darling, it was clear she had depth and talent and a long way to go. Anyone who can deliver the “I’m gonna change you from a rooster to a hen in one shot line” with the sincerity to make it a real threat has real talent.
Rest in peace and power, Dolly.
A life of many coloursby @deAdder Substack:https://t.co/DdGaNYtWHj pic.twitter.com/hMQFdVKbS5
— Michael de Adder (@deAdder) August 25, 2026
Open thread below.
Ed. Note: We generally do not do obituaries, but make exceptions for exceptional people. Please make sure your comments are respectful, made as if her family might read them.
