BREAKING: Country Music Icon Dolly Parton Dies at 80—-The legendary singer, songwriter, actress and philanthropist leaves behind a six-decade legacy that transformed country music and reached audiences around the world.

Country music legend Dolly Parton has died at the age of 80, bringing an end to one of the most extraordinary careers in American music.

Parton’s family confirmed her death on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, with her nephew Bryan Seaver announcing the news through a video shared on her official social media accounts.

The announcement comes after Parton had recently spoken publicly about health challenges that had affected her over the past year.

A Six-Decade Musical Legacy

Born in Tennessee in 1946, Parton rose from poverty to become one of the most influential and recognisable entertainers in the world.

Her career began in the 1960s and eventually produced some of country music’s most enduring songs, including “Jolene,” “9 to 5,” “Coat of Many Colors” and “I Will Always Love You.”

She wrote approximately 3,000 songs and sold more than 100 million records worldwide, establishing herself not only as a performer but also as one of the most accomplished songwriters of her generation.

Her composition “I Will Always Love You” achieved another level of global success when Whitney Houston recorded it for The Bodyguard soundtrack in 1992.

From Country Star to Global Icon

Parton’s influence extended well beyond music.

She became a successful actress, starring in films including 9 to 5 and Steel Magnolias, while also building a major business empire around her brand and the Dollywood theme park in Tennessee.

Her distinctive voice, songwriting ability, humour and instantly recognisable appearance made her one of the world’s most celebrated entertainers.

A Legacy of Giving

Away from entertainment, Parton was also renowned for her philanthropy.

Her Imagination Library literacy programme has provided hundreds of millions of free books to children, while she supported numerous charitable and humanitarian causes throughout her life.

She also donated $1 million toward COVID-19 vaccine research, further cementing her reputation as an entertainer who used her wealth and influence to support causes beyond the music industry.

The End of an Era

Parton’s death marks the passing of one of the defining figures of modern country music.

Across nearly six decades, she successfully crossed musical, cultural and generational boundaries while remaining closely connected to the Appalachian roots that shaped her early life.

With her death, the world loses not only a country music superstar but also a songwriter, actress, entrepreneur and philanthropist whose influence extended far beyond the stage.

Dolly Parton was 80.

May her soul rest in peace.

Nottingham Forest Strike £45m Deal to Sign Liam Delap From Chelsea—-Forest have beaten Premier League competition to the 23-year-old striker, who is set to undergo a medical after agreeing to join Oliver Glasner’s side.

Nottingham Forest have reached an agreement with Chelsea to sign striker Liam Delap in a club-record transfer worth an initial £45 million, with the deal potentially rising to £50 million through add-ons.

The 23-year-old is expected to undergo his medical on Wednesday before completing his move to the City Ground.

The agreement represents a major investment from Forest as manager Oliver Glasner looks to strengthen his attacking options following a difficult start to the new campaign.

Delap Agrees to Forest Move

Delap has agreed to join Forest after holding discussions with Glasner about the club’s plans for him.

The striker had attracted interest from several Premier League clubs, including Everton, but Forest ultimately won the race for his signature.

Forest’s previous transfer record was the £37.5 million they paid Ipswich Town for Omari Hutchinson last summer. Delap’s arrival will therefore establish a new club record.

Chelsea Set to Make £15m Profit

Chelsea signed Delap from Ipswich Town for £30 million in June 2025 after he scored 12 Premier League goals during Ipswich’s campaign.

However, his first season at Stamford Bridge proved difficult.

Delap scored only two goals in 41 appearances across all competitions, including one Premier League goal, and subsequently found himself outside new manager Xabi Alonso’s plans.

He had also been training separately from Chelsea’s first-team group and lost the No.9 shirt to João Pedro, further indicating that his future lay away from Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea’s decision to sell for £45 million means the club could make around £15 million profit on the striker just 12 months after signing him.

Forest Look to Revive Delap’s Career

For Forest, the move represents an opportunity to bring back the form that made Delap one of the Premier League’s most promising young strikers.

Before joining Chelsea, he impressed at Ipswich, scoring 12 league goals during the 2024/25 season despite the club’s relegation.

Forest will hope that Glasner can help the forward rediscover that form and provide the goals needed to strengthen their attack.

With the medical now scheduled, Delap’s move to Nottingham Forest is expected to be completed shortly.