Country music star Keith Urban has expressed profound sadness following the death of music icon Dolly Parton. Parton died at age 80 in Nashville. Urban shared a stark black image on Instagram with a brief message stating his struggle to process the loss.
"Heartbroken today. Dolly Parton," Urban wrote, adding a heart emoji. "Honestly… I have no words right now."
Nicole Kidman, Urban's ex-wife, also paid tribute to Parton, sharing a throwback photograph from the 2023 Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Gala. At the event, Parton inducted Urban into the prestigious organization. The image featured Kidman, Urban, and Parton during happier times.
"We will always love you, Dolly," Kidman captioned the photograph, referencing Parton's classic song "I Will Always Love You."
Parton played a significant role in one of the proudest moments of Urban's career. He personally invited Parton to induct him into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2023, stating she was the only person he wanted for the honor. Urban, who grew up listening to Parton's music in Australia, cited her 1977 track "Applejack" as a childhood favorite. During his induction, he placed an "In Dolly We Trust" sticker on the podium, a sticker that had been picked up by Kidman and their daughter earlier that day. Urban described Parton as "peerless" and acknowledged her influence on his career.
Parton's death was announced by her nephew, Bryan Seaver, who also served as her head of security. Her publicist confirmed her peaceful passing in Nashville. A cause of death has not been publicly disclosed.
Seaver revealed that Parton had asked him years prior to announce her death when the time came. In an emotional video, he conveyed Parton's wish to "rest in a beautiful bed of plush cotton" after a life weighed down by her famed costumes. Her family is expected to hold a private service, while fans are encouraged to honor her memory by supporting Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, the children's literacy charity she founded.
Parton's passing comes just days after her final interview, in which she spoke of her desire to continue creating despite ongoing health challenges. She had canceled her Las Vegas residency in May due to issues with her immune and digestive systems but had reassured fans she was responding to treatment. Her husband of nearly six decades, Carl Dean, died in March 2025.
Parton became one of music's most celebrated performers, selling over 100 million records and achieving enduring hits such as "Jolene," "9 to 5," "Coat of Many Colors," and "I Will Always Love You." She earned 11 Grammy Awards, was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and also built a career as an actress, businesswoman, and philanthropist. Her death has led to widespread tributes from across the entertainment industry.