Sylvester Stallone Mourns Dolly Parton After Death at 80

World mourns Dolly Parton after her family reveals she died Tuesday at age 80 from a brief battle with cancer. Tributes have already flooded in for the country legend whose songs, charity work, and Imagination Library program touched millions of fans globally. Sylvester Stallone shared a wild memory he will never forget in an emotional tribute to this brilliant force of nature.

The actor remembered Parton as the fearless co-star who laughed right after they were thrown from a horse together. Stallone recalled riding a Tennessee Walking Horse with her during a break while filming Rhinestone. I just heard that Dolly Parton passed away, and this strikes me very hard, because I felt she was a brilliant woman, so outgoing, so nice, he said in his statement. She would come onto the set and say Hi, y'all to every single crew member. Everyone loved her. Stallone insisted people often miss what a sharp mind she possessed. She was just incredible. He used to call her the Pioneer Woman that could do everything to survive. And she did.

Stallone told a crazy story from the Tennessee set where they had time off and visited a farm breeding these high-stepping, very difficult horses if you don't know what you're doing. The owner paired Stallone and Parton on his favorite gray stallion. I said Is this horse used to like double-decker? I don't get it, you know, Stallone explained. And he goes No problem. This thing was gigantic. It's like riding a building, he recalled. So I asked Dolly if she was okay. She replied Sure am, honey. Go ahead. He kicked the horse and it started moving in a prancing motion.

Stallone clarified that while he has ridden horses his whole life, these walking horses feel different on your feet. They're not like regular horse hooves. It's like being on stilts, he said. It sounds beautiful, Stallone recalled. We look glamorous up there. And then the horse stubs its toe. It trips, and we start to roll forward. Oh no. It felt like everything was going in slow motion while Dolly asked Are we falling? I go We are falling. The horse rolled all the way down, and they cascaded off onto the grass with the horse rolling right beside them. Oh my God, we would have been a couple of pancakes.

She got up laughing and goes Let's do that again, Stallone recalled with a laugh in his video. Being macho, he said Of course I'd do it again. I was just waiting for you to ask. He ended his message by saying I miss you Dolly. I love you. Sad. Kevin Costner also joined the collective grief over Parton's death on Instagram. Oh my goodness. Where did you go Dolly? We are all breathless, he wrote. The feeling of who you are and who you were are so close. We have all stopped for a moment to think of the miracle that was you.

Costner praised the late icon for trusting him with her classic hit in the 1992 film he both starred in and produced called The Bodyguard. Thank you for trusting me with I Will Always Love You, So gracious in all things, he wrote. In the movie, Whitney Houston played superstar Rachel Marron who was followed by a stalker while Costner portrayed her bodyguard Frank Farmer. Parton originally wrote and released that song in 1974 as a final goodbye to her mentor Porter Wagoner when she left his series. Kevin Costner and his secretary were the ones that loved the song, Parton told CMT back in 2011. They had another song going to go in that place, and someone had recorded the track they intended to use.

Dolly Parton passed away peacefully in Nashville on Tuesday after a short fight with cancer. She was 80 years old. Her representatives confirmed the news. "We are all at a loss this moment," Costner wrote to share his grief. "Forgive us, but we will miss you so much. So much."

A tropical storm is expected to hit soon, and its name is Dolly. The timing feels like pure coincidence, yet it has nothing to do with the singer's influence on generations. Forecasters believe there is a 60 percent chance this system will form this week. It is the fourth storm of the season. Storm names come from lists managed by the World Meteorological Organization and repeat every six years. The Atlantic list alternates between male and female names in alphabetical order.

The National Hurricane Center explained their process online. "The only time that there is a change in the list is if a storm is so deadly or costly that the future use of its name for a different storm would be inappropriate for reasons of sensitivity," they wrote. If a disaster occurs, the committee meets to discuss other issues and removes the offending name from the roster before picking a replacement. This report included contributions from the Associated Press.

Despite the coincidence, Parton's approval ratings were higher than those of global leaders. A poll conducted by UMass/YouGov in March 2026 showed that 70 percent of Americans viewed her favorably, according to The New York Times. She beat out names like Barack Obama and Volodymyr Zelensky on the list. Taylor Swift earned a 35 percent favorable mark, which means Parton was twice as popular in that survey. Only 5 percent of adults held an unfavorable view of her. Roughly one quarter of respondents said they did not have an opinion or had never heard of her name.

Parton and her husband Carl Dean never raised children together. They did pick a name for a daughter before they decided motherhood was not meant to be. Parton told The Guardian in 2014 that she and Dean often wondered what their kids might look like. "My husband and I, when we first got married, we thought about if we had kids, what would they look like? Would they be tall because he's tall? Or would they be little squats like me?" she said. "If we'd had a girl, she was gonna be called Carla." They dreamed about it but never did. Now that they are older, they are glad.

Dean died in 2025 at age 82 after nearly six decades of marriage. Parton spoke openly about the freedom her childless life provided. "Since I had no kids, and my husband was pretty independent, I had freedom," she said during a 2020 appearance on The Oprah Conversation. She credited that liberty to her success as a worker. "I didn't have children because I believed that God didn't mean for me to have kids so everybody's kids could be mine," she told Winfrey. That freedom allowed her to build the Imagination Library and do all the other things she accomplished.

I would not be in a position to do all of the things I am doing now." Dolly Parton accepted her final reality with clarity even as she faced mortality. She knew leaving music for motherhood would have altered everything yet she felt deep regret about that path. "I would have been a great mother, I think," she told The Guardian while reflecting on those choices. "I would probably have given up everything else." Guilt would have driven her to quit touring if she had chosen family over fame. Everything changes when the stars align differently in life. She admitted she likely would not have become the global star she is today without that relentless drive.

The Dollywood Foundation remains dedicated to Parton's philanthropic missions despite the singer's passing. Created in 1988, the foundation originally aimed to promote educational success and has since spawned literary programs and scholarships for students everywhere. "The nonprofit 'has prepared carefully for the future and remains honored to carry the mission Dolly entrusted to it,'" they said in an official release. They emphasized that the organization is strong with a clear mission. The values Parton instilled will continue to guide their work and growth in years ahead. Jeff Conyers, President of The Dollywood Foundation, noted how deeply she believed in giving back. "Dolly often said that she had been blessed far beyond anything she ever dreamed possible," he stated in the statement. "She believed deeply that those blessings came with a responsibility to give something back." That belief is woven into everything they do at The Dollywood Foundation today. While heartbroken by her loss, the mission remains as clear as it has ever been and will carry forward for generations yet unborn.

Parton died peacefully in Nashville on Tuesday following a brief battle with cancer according to her representatives. She was 80 years old when she left this world. Tennessee Senator Jessie Seal wants to permanently honor her life and legacy through legislation he will propose in the 2027 session. He plans to mark September 25 as "9 to 5 Day" to celebrate her enduring impact on music and kindness. "Dolly will go down as one of the most legendary Tennesseans of all time," Seal said in a release from his office. Her faith and kindness will stand the test of time alongside her iconic songs. He added that she embodied the true Volunteer State spirit like no other person could ever hope to match. While every day fits for honoring Dolly, this specific date will give Tennesseans an opportunity each year to set aside extra time to listen to one of her most iconic songs and reflect on this once-in-a-century legend. Earlier this year Governor Bill Lee designated January 19, 2026 as Dolly Parton Day to commemorate her eightieth birthday.

Dolly Parton left behind a slate of major projects set to launch after her death even though she is gone from this earth. Her vision will continue unfolding in months and years ahead for fans everywhere who remember her work. From a new coffee line and travel-stop brand to collectible dolls, jewelry collaborations and home goods, Parton had an ambitious slate of projects in the works at the time of her death. Danny Nozell, her longtime manager, confirmed these launches will move forward giving fans new ways to experience the music humor and larger-than-life spirit she brought to everything she touched. Here is what remains coming soon for supporters around the world. Dolly's Tennessean Travel Stops brand will celebrate National Truck Driver Appreciation Week beginning September 13, 2026 with special events planned across multiple locations. Guests can begin booking stays at the SongTeller Hotel in Nashville on September 14 ahead of its grand opening scheduled for September 29. A new line of Dolly-inspired dolls is set to launch online starting September 15 for collectors and enthusiasts alike. The Life of Many Colors Museum dedicated to Parton's life and career will celebrate its grand opening in Nashville this coming fall after years of preparation by the team behind it.

A coffee line named Dolly's Cup of Ambition is set to launch online on September 29, while the retail rollout waits until spring 2027. The holiday project titled Dolly on the Holly targets the upcoming 2026 season. "DOLLY: A True Original Musical" begins previews on December 7, 2026, and opens for business on January 19, 2027, which marks Parton's birthday. Tickets are currently available through November 21, 2027. The jewelry collaboration between Kendra Scott and Dolly will arrive in January 2027 as part of the 9 to 5 Collection. Dog treats for pets are expected to hit shelves early in 2027. Home decor and bedding from Parton's personal collection should launch during the third quarter of that same year.

Dolly Parton turned her father's illiteracy into a global legacy of giving by launching Dolly Parton's Imagination Library in 1995 within her Tennessee hometown. Her father, Robert Lee Parton, never learned to read or write, yet she determined to give young children the opportunity he missed. She created a program that mailed free, age-appropriate books to children from birth until age five. This local effort started in the Smoky Mountains before growing into a massive global literacy movement. The Imagination Library now distributes millions of books each month to children across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia and Ireland. Parton never treated philanthropy as a side project but viewed it as a heavy responsibility.

"I think it's important for everyone to do their share to help their fellow man," she told The Associated Press in 2022 regarding her mission. "I get paid more attention than maybe some others that are doing more than me." Ohio first lady Fran DeWine praised Parton's impact on young readers, calling her devotion to children and literacy unparalleled. More than one million children in Ohio had received nearly twenty-eight million books through the program according to DeWine. Her generosity and selfless spirit leave a legacy that will live on for generations to come.

Dolly Parton had several projects in development before she died Tuesday following a brief battle with cancer at age 80. "Dolly worked up until the day she died," longtime manager Danny Nozell said in a statement provided to Fox News Digital about her final days. She loved seeing her dreams come to life and loved knowing her work brought people joy according to Nozell's remarks. He noted that Dolly was ever the planner who worked with her handpicked team over past years to build a project roadmap guiding them for decades. Her team will ensure many dreams she had yet to fulfill are brought to life as promised in their statements. Many projects were in various stages of development and they want to be transparent with fans about this fact. If you see unreleased music, products, books, experiences, and campaigns launched through official Dolly Parton channels, you can have confidence in knowing she placed her personal stamp on it. A Dolly Musical documentary, a Dolly biopic, a Dolly docuseries, a Dolly scripted series, and many more will be revealed soon by the organization.

Dolly Parton has passed away at age 80 following a short fight with cancer, her family confirmed today via a statement released to Fox News Digital. The singer left this world surrounded by those who loved her after battling the disease at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center. This news brought up questions about why some people hide their diagnoses even when public health struggles often help others understand what they face. Dr. Kristin Higgins, chief clinical officer at City of Hope Cancer Center in Atlanta, told Fox News Digital that keeping it secret initially is a very natural response for patients. She explained how hard it is to accept having cancer and noted that people need time to adjust before telling friends or family about their condition slowly. Melissa Rudy from Fox News Digital contributed to this report while colleagues reflected on working with the late icon during the original Broadway run of 9 to 5: The Musical. Allison Janey, who earned a Tony nomination for playing Violet Newstead in the 2009 stage version of the 1980 film, felt incredibly lucky to share the stage with Parton. She wrote on Instagram that Dolly had a rare ability to light up every room she walked into through her talent and graciousness. Janey added that being with her felt like spending time with an angel who made everyone feel seen and valued. Megan Hilty, who played Doralee Rhodes in the show, said Parton impacted her more than words can express online. Hilty noted this deep loss will take quite some time to process while expressing gratitude for having been in Dolly's orbit. Stephanie J. Block shared images of Parton on Instagram stories reflecting on the pure joy of working with her and recalled a funny moment where Parton joked about their lung capacity. We will always love you, Block wrote after posting those memories. Parton died peacefully in Nashville, Tennessee on Tuesday according to her representatives who described her passing as following a brief battle with cancer. Fans also remember how Dolly's unmistakable voice made songs like Jolene and I Will Always Love You timeless while her songwriting reached far beyond her own recordings. Artists from Whitney Houston to Tina Turner brought her stories to life in ways that continue to inspire listeners today. Bill Phillips scored one of country music's biggest hits in 1966 with Put It Off Until Tomorrow, an early composition by Parton where she sang uncredited backing vocals on the record. That work helped open the door for her own breakout career while Skeeter Davis turned Fuel to the Flame into a hit in 1967 after Parton co-wrote it with uncle Bill Owens. Tina Turner recorded There'll Always Be Music for her 1974 solo debut album showing just how easily Parton's songwriting could cross genre lines. Hank Williams Jr also covered I'm in No Condition, proving the breadth of influence this legendary songwriter held across generations of musicians who admired her craft.

A voice full of emotion once sang a breakup lament that found its way onto the album "Hello, I'm Dolly." That vulnerable country tune was an early sign of the raw honesty that would come to define much of her writing.

The track titled "I Will Always Love You" started life in 1974 as Parton's goodbye to Porter Wagoner. Nearly twenty years later, Whitney Houston turned it into a global phenomenon for the "The Bodyguard" soundtrack.

Then there is "Kentucky Gambler," a character-driven song about a man whose gambling tears his family apart. Merle Haggard recorded his own version that climbed to No. 1 on the country charts.

"To Daddy" saw Emmylou Harris take Parton's story of a woman leaving an unhappy marriage to the top of the chart in 1978. Parton had penned the tale and later recorded it herself.

Kenny Rogers brought "The Stranger" to life in 1984, following a young man who meets the father he once feared after his mother dies.

Parton wrote "Waltz Me to Heaven" as a romantic offering for Waylon Jennings, who pushed it into the Top 10 in 1984. Her brother, Floyd Parton, recorded it later for the "Rhinestone" soundtrack.

SiriusXM has launched a special Dolly Parton channel for grieving fans now that the country icon is gone. The satellite radio service debuted The Dolly Parton Tribute Channel on Channel 105 and within the SiriusXM app, giving listeners a place to revisit her unmistakable voice, timeless songs, and seven-decade career.

Listeners can hear tracks from Parton's celebrated catalog, including "Jolene," "9 to 5" and "I Will Always Love You," alongside music from her friends and collaborators. This limited-run channel will also feature special programming and memories spanning Parton's extraordinary career.

SiriusXM plans to air tributes across several of its country stations in the days ahead, including The Highway, Y2Kountry, Willie's Roadhouse, Outlaw Country and Bluegrass Junction.

Parton died peacefully in Nashville on Aug. 25 following a brief battle with cancer, Fox News Digital confirmed. Her team shared a statement confirming she passed after that short struggle.

Throughout her career, which ignited as a performer on "The Porter Wagoner Show," Parton always shared what mattered most to her – her Tennessee upbringing, her faith, her beloved husband Carl Dean, and family. Born in 1946 in rural Sevier County, Tennessee, she grew up in a large, poor family in the Smoky Mountains. She began singing in church as a child and started writing songs at a young age.

"I think my childhood made me everything I am today," she told Entertainment Tonight in 2015. "I would trade nothing for being brought up in the Great Smoky Mountains. I've never been ashamed of my people no matter how poor or dirty we might have been."

Michigan Democratic Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed faced heat online over what critics called a politicization of Dolly Parton's passing. "Dolly Parton used her gift for music to highlight the challenges of poverty, inequality, and struggle in ways that uplifted and inspired working people," El-Sayed posted on X Tuesday shortly after Parton died following a brief battle with cancer. Some internet users cried foul, telling him to "Gimme a break."

Did the focus shift too much toward politics while her music offered comfort? Or did his words simply reflect how deeply she touched hearts across lines of belief and background? The debate continues as fans process their loss through both tears and screens.

She was 80 years old. "And I told 'em all the story / Momma told me while she sewed / And how my coat of many colors / Was worth more than all their clothes," El-Sayed added, quoting Parton song lyrics. El-Sayed's post got "ratioed" on social media. The platform shows far more negative comments and quote tweets than positive ones from users accusing the far-left candidate of injecting his political message into his tribute to the country music legend.

Read more about the backlash to El-Sayed's social media tribute to Dolly Parton. Fox News Digital's Andrew Mark Miller and Peter D'Abrosca contributed to this report.

The bell at the top of Sevier County Courthouse, built in 1896, rang a reverent toll for five minutes Wednesday at noon in honor of the Tennessee legend. Sevier County is Parton's hometown. It paid tribute to her in a unique way. A statue of Parton was placed in front of the courthouse. The icon sits barefoot on a rock while wearing jeans and holding a guitar on her lap. In addition, all Sevier County schools observed a moment of silence in remembrance of Parton's deep connection to Sevier County.

Parton died peacefully in Nashville, Tenn. on Tuesday following a "brief battle with cancer," according to her representatives. "Our beloved Dolly Parton spent her life and career bringing joy, laughter, hope and integrity into everything she touched," her team said in a statement provided to Fox News Digital. "Her unmatched generosity reached the lives of countless people whom she would never meet, yet she was always there to offer a helping hand." Whether it be the hundreds of millions of books donated through her invaluable Imagination Library or funding research that helped create a lifesaving vaccine used around the world, Dolly's unconditional love for all people was the guiding force for her lasting impact. "After bravely facing a brief battle with cancer, Dolly departed her Earthly life today at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center surrounded by loved ones," the statement concluded.

Dollywood Parks & Resorts President Eugene Naughton is honoring the woman he called the park's "Dreamer in Chief" following Parton's death on Tuesday. "This is a really heavy day for all of us here at Dollywood Parks