Dolly Parton Dead at 80: Music Executives Remember the Country Icon
Categoria: Musica
Following the music legend's passing at the age of 80, industry executives are sharing their reactions and condolences
Por Billboard | 25/08/2026
Following the death of Dolly Parton on Tuesday (Aug. 25) at the age of 80, those who worked with the country icon and others across the music industry are remembering the singer and songwriter’s impact across her 60-year career. Parton was named Billboard ’s Top Country Artist of All Time , with the singer having scored 25 No. 1s on Billboard ’s Hot Country Songs chart, the most of any woman, and 49 top 10s on Billboard ’s Country Albums chart. In addition to her success as a songwriter and recording artist, Parton has long been recognized for her business acumen. Related Dolly Parton, One of Country Music’s Biggest & Brightest Icons, Dies at 80 Dale Morris, Nashville Manager Who Guided Careers of Alabama & Kenny Chesney, Dies at 89 HYBE Pledges Over $300k for Colombia Earthquake Recovery She co-owned Dollywood, a theme park located in her hometown of Pigeon Forge, Tenn., and she also operated the Imagination Library — a program that mails free books to children from birth until they first begin school. She had also been a co-owner of Sandollar Productions alongside her former manager, Sandy Gallin , which produced Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Father of the Bride and Sabrina , among others. See below for all the reactions. We will update this story as more come through. Sarah Trahern, CEO, Country Music Association “At the end of the day, few artists define Country Music better than the one-word, Dolly. Over her decades-long career, I worked with her on a number of programs. She was always the most professional in every setting, often walking off the bus in heels and hair and makeup ready to go, before expected and before the cast and crew. However, along with the music, our biggest loss today is her work as a philanthropist and the genuine difference she has made in people’s lives throughout the world. There will only ever be one Dolly.” Academy of Country Music “The Academy is deeply saddened by the passing of Dolly Parton. She leaves behind a legacy that reaches far beyond the stage. Through her unmistakable voice, unforgettable songs, generosity and larger-than-life spirit, she touched generations and made the world a little brighter. “A member of the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Grand Ole Opry, Dolly was a 14-time ACM Award recipient and three-time host of the ACM Awards. She gave us some of country music’s most enduring songs and moments, and at this year’s ACM Honors, she was honored with the ACM Poet’s Award — a beautiful recognition of the songwriter whose words became a part of so many lives. “As we look back on these ACM moments, we’re reminded of the incredible mark Dolly left on country music and on all those who grew up with her songs. Her music will live on, carrying her voice and her story forward for generations to come. “Rest in peace, Dolly.” View this post on Instagram Rust Gaston, CEO, Sony Music Publishing Nashville “There are icons and there are superstars&