Country music icon Dolly Parton dies aged 80

Wednesday 26 August 2026 · 5 outlets · 4 reports · updated Wed 26 Aug, 5:21pm

The legendary singer has died at her home in the United States. Parton visited New Zealand for tours in 1979, 1987, and 2014. Friends and musicians are now remembering the performer for her philanthropy and business skills.

How they headlined it

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1. 1NewsWed 26 Aug, 10:37am

   Singer Dolly Parton 'loved everything about' New Zealand (opens in new tab)

   • Dolly Parton was 'aunty' to one lucky Kiwi girl (opens in new tab) Wed 26 Aug, 5:21pm
2. The Post via The PressWed 26 Aug, 12:24pm

   Music promoter ‘in floods of tears’ at death of close friend Dolly Parton as Kiwi stars remember ‘unmatched’ icon (opens in new tab)

   Also on The Press (opens in new tab), Waikato Times (opens in new tab)

3. StuffWed 26 Aug, 4:00pm

   Were you there? Share your memories of Dolly Parton’s NZ tours (opens in new tab)