Dolly Parton made the world a better place in many ways through her music, cheerful personality, big heart, and philanthropic endeavors - including ones for animals.

The "Queen of Country Music" has passed away at the age of 80 on August 25, 2026 from a "brief battle with cancer". Millions over the decades have been touched by her music and kind heart. 

Her amazing work to help animals spanned from conservation to a pet line benefiting a rescue in Tennessee. 

Conservation

The proud Tennessee native helped conserve bald eagles at her amusement park, Dollywood, by partnering with American Eagle Foundation for the Eagle Mountain Sanctuary. Dozens of bald eagles found sanctuary there that would not have survived on their own in the wild. 

After severe damage during a storm, the exhibit was closed and the 26 eagles were transported to their new 50-acre conservation campus in Kodak, Tennessee.

Pet Line

Dolly who loved big hair, bedazzled clothing, and always looking her best started a pet apparel and toy line called “Doggy Parton”, where part of the proceeds goes to a Tennessee animal rescue, Willa B. Farms.

She didn’t stop there.

Children Books

She combined her love for dogs with her passion for literacy by writing children books about her god-dog Billy the Kid. The French bulldog belongs to her manager and the character based on him has helped teach kids about standing up to bullies and continues to bring a smile to countless faces with the picture book series. 

Cracker Jack Song

Back in 1973 she recorded a song about “the best friend she ever had”, a dog named Cracker Jack. The heartfelt tribute focused on a dog's unconditional and devotion. 

Listen to it below as she performed it in live in 1976. 

As a child, she befriended the stray dogs and cats around her family farm in the mountains of Tennessee but really connected with a dog she called “Cracker Jack”.

The song was finally aired in 2007 as a bonus track. In her book, Dolly Parton, Songteller: My Life in Lyrics, she wrote, “Your dog always lives in memory. Even though they don’t live as long as people, dogs leave lasting memories.”

Popeye

She also shared how her Boston terrier named Popeye helped her through a very difficult emotional time. He is laid to rest alongside her other beloved pets who have passed in a private pet cemetery at her Brentwood home. 

A post on her personal Facebook page announcing her passing reads, " A rhinestone life that shone bright enough for the world to see, Dolly will forever stand as an inspiration not only through her timeless music and prolific songwriting, but also her wit, warmth, and kindness that made us all feel like family. Dolly Parton’s legacy is one of love, compassion, and resilience."

Dolly will be deeply missed by all. She will live on in her music and work that continues to inspire people to love big, dream big, and be kind to others. Rest in peace, Dolly.