Beloved Dolly Parton Gains Her Wings

Beloved Dolly Parton Gains Her Wings
By Jeaneane Payne
August 25, 2026, 2:56 p.m.


Dolly Parton

SEVIERVILLE, TN - Sevier County's beloved Dolly Parton has gained her wings at the age of 80. She is now with her husband Carl, her parents, and other family members who have gone before her.

Dolly's contributions to the music industry and her philanthropy efforts were innumerable. Her heart for others was as wide as the ocean.


	Dolly Parton statue at the old Sevier County Courthouse. Image by Jeaneane Payne

From her early childhood, Dolly knew she would become a celebrity. Her music career began with appearances on the Cas Walker Show and eventually rose to the Country Music Hall of Fame.

The loss of Dolly Parton is having a tremendous impact on the Sevier County community. Residents and visitors alike are placing flowers at the Dolly Parton statue at the old Sevier County Courthouse in downtown Sevierville.

Dollywood rose from a small entertainment park to what is now the number one amusement park in the country.

Statement from Sevier County Mayor Larry Waters and Mayor-Elect Bryan McCarter:

Sevier County joins our community, our state, and people around the world in mourning the loss of Dolly Parton, a true Tennessee icon and one of our own.

Dolly’s impact on Sevier County reaches far beyond her remarkable career. She dedicated herself to making this community a better place, from helping lead the recovery and rebuilding efforts following the 2016 wildfires to her lasting commitment to the children and families of our region through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Her generosity, compassion, and love for the people of Sevier County have touched countless lives and will continue to do so for generations to come.

We are deeply grateful for all that Dolly gave to our community and for the way she carried the spirit of the Smokies with her wherever she went. Sevier County has lost a beloved friend, an extraordinary neighbor, and an icon whose legacy will forever be part of the story of our community.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Dolly’s family, friends, loved ones, and all those across Sevier County and around the world who are grieving this tremendous loss.

Mayor Larry Waters and Mayor-Elect Bryan McCarter have declared Wednesday, August 26, 2026, as a Day of Mourning in Sevier County in honor of Dolly Parton and her extraordinary life and service to our community.

Additionally, Mayor Waters and Mayor-Elect McCarter have directed that the Sevier County flag be flown at half-staff until the day of interment in honor of Dolly.

Dolly's family members say they will ensure her legacy is continued through her philanthropic efforts.

President Donald Trump has ordered all American flags to be flown at halfstaff for one week.

"Dolly Parton was one of a kind, who loved people, her work, her family, and her Lord. Tennessee has forever been changed – enhanced – by her, and will never be quite the same without Dolly," said Tennessee Governor Bill Lee.

The Sevier County Sheriff stated:

We join all of Sevier County in remembering our First Lady. She gave us music that will live forever.

She gave children books. She gave hope to families. She gave back to her community and she showed the world that you can become incredibly successful without ever losing your humility, your kindness, or your faith.

As Sheriff, I am especially proud that this is the place Dolly Parton called home. Her fingerprints are all over these mountains, and her legacy will remain here for generations.

Today, I pray for her family, her friends, and the countless people who loved her, here and all over the world. Dolly, thank you for making our mountains, our home, and our world brighter. Rest in the arms of Jesus.

We join all of Sevier County in remembering our First Lady. She gave us music that will live forever. She gave children books. She gave hope to families. She gave back to her community and she showed the world that you can become incredibly successful without ever losing your humility, your kindness, or your faith. As Sheriff, I am especially proud that this is the place Dolly Parton called home. Her fingerprints are all over these mountains, and her legacy will remain here for generations. Today, I pray for her family, her friends, and the countless people who loved her, here and all over the world. Dolly, thank you for making our mountains, our home, and our world brighter. Rest in the arms of Jesus.

Dolly had indicated she wanted her memorial service to be private with only family members in attendance.