Parton spent six decades building a persona so precise that other people could put it on—and, at least once, wear it better than she did.

Beloved country-music singer Dolly Parton died this week after a brief battle with the disease. Don Adams died earlier this year too, and late in 2025, Raul Malo, the frontman for The Mavericks, also died after battling cancer.

Dolly Parton's cousin reveals her final funeral wishes, sharing the private farewell she wanted before her death at 80.