Few entertainers ever reached as many corners of American culture as Dolly Parton.
Country music made her famous, but her career eventually took her into television, movies, business, philanthropy, and places far beyond Nashville. Disney became part of that story, too, building a connection with Parton that stretched across several generations.
Following her death at 80, that relationship has taken on new meaning. Disney is now joining the many voices celebrating Parton’s life, giving fans a way to revisit the remarkable journey that made her an American icon.
Fans Mourn Dolly Parton After Her Death at 80
Parton died on August 25, 2026, at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville following a brief battle with cancer, according to her team.
She was 80 years old.
News of her death quickly spread across the entertainment industry, with musicians, actors, fans, and people who knew Parton reflecting on the woman behind a career that lasted nearly seven decades.
Parton’s story began far away from the celebrity world she eventually entered. She grew up in the mountains of East Tennessee before building a career as a singer and songwriter.
Success eventually opened other doors. Parton became an actress, entrepreneur, businesswoman, and philanthropist while maintaining the personality and sense of humor that became as recognizable as her music.
Her catalog included songs such as “Jolene,” “I Will Always Love You,” and “9 to 5,” but her influence reached well beyond those hits.
Now, fans can revisit that journey through a tribute available on two of Disney’s streaming platforms.
A New Streaming Tribute Looks Back at Her Remarkable Life
Disney+ and Hulu are now streaming Dolly Parton: An American Original – Special Edition of 20/20, following its Tuesday night broadcast on ABC.
The hour-long special, anchored by World News Tonight anchor David Muir, celebrates Parton’s life and examines how she grew from her East Tennessee roots into an entertainer known around the world.
Parton remains a central voice throughout the program.
The special includes previously unseen interview material with Parton, alongside memorable conversations over the years with Robin Roberts and the late Barbara Walters.
Her work outside of recording music also receives attention. The program explores the many roles Parton held throughout her career, from songwriter and performer to actress, entrepreneur, and philanthropist.
Several people from the entertainment and country music industries also contribute to the tribute.
Jane Fonda, Keith Urban, Keke Palmer, Ashley McBryde, and Rascal Flatts are featured. At the same time, Country Music Association CEO Sarah Trahern and Opry Entertainment Group senior vice president and executive producer Dan Rogers also appear.
Chris Connelly and Kelley L. Carter are included as well.
Together, those voices and archival moments offer a broader picture of how Parton became much more than a country music star.
Dolly Parton Became Part of Disney History
Disney’s tribute to Parton extends beyond the new streaming special.
After news of her death, the Disney Parks Facebook account shared a message honoring her legacy.
“A dreamer. A storyteller. An inspiration. An icon. Sending our love to the family of Dolly Parton ❤️,” Disney wrote.
The company had plenty of history with Parton to look back on.
In 1986, Parton brought one of her biggest songs to Walt Disney World Resort. She performed “9 to 5” in front of Cinderella Castle during the resort’s 15th anniversary celebration.
Her connection with Disney later reached an entirely different generation through Hannah Montana.
Parton played Aunt Dolly, Miley Stewart’s godmother, on the Disney Channel series. The relationship had a real-life connection as well, since Parton was the godmother of Miley Cyrus, who played Miley Stewart.
Those appearances introduced Parton to younger Disney viewers and allowed her to bring her familiar personality and humor into the series.
She also appeared in or contributed music to other Disney projects, extending her connection with the company across decades.
Dolly Parton Leaves Behind Much More Than Music
Parton’s death closes one chapter, but her influence will continue in many different forms.
Her songs remain part of American culture, and future generations will continue discovering the music and performances that made her famous.
Her legacy also lives beyond entertainment. Parton spent decades giving back through charitable work that benefited children, while Dollywood became another lasting piece of the world she created around her East Tennessee roots.
Disney’s tribute reflects just how far that influence reached.
From performing at Magic Kingdom to becoming Aunt Dolly for a generation of Hannah Montana viewers, Parton found ways to connect with audiences across different eras.
Now, the 20/20 special on Disney+ and Hulu gives fans another chance to remember the humor, talent, generosity, and personality that helped make Dolly Parton one of entertainment’s most enduring figures.
