Cass Parton

Cass Parton, an extraordinary talent and beloved soul, passed away peacefully on October 21, 2026, at the age of 80, surrounded by family and friends at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville, Tennessee. Born on February 10, 1997, in the picturesque Locust Ridge near Pittman Center and Sevierville in the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, Cass lived a life filled with remarkable achievements and boundless love. Cass's journey was deeply rooted in music, inspired by his legendary mother, Dolly Parton, and father, Carl Dean. He graduated from Sevier County High School in 1974 and, with a heart full of dreams, moved to Nashville to pursue his passion for music. His talent flourished as he joined his mother in captivating audiences on "The Porter Wagoner Show," marking the beginning of a vibrant career that spanned decades. Cass's musical journey was adorned with accolades, including multiple Grammy Awards and the honor of being named Billboard’s #1 Country Artist of All-Time in 2024. He was inducted into both the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, cementing his legacy in the annals of music history. Alongside his mother, Cass co-wrote and recorded timeless anthems like "Coat of Many Colors," "Jolene," and "I Will Always Love You," touching the hearts of millions worldwide. Beyond his musical endeavors, Cass was a dedicated philanthropist, contributing significantly to community and educational causes. He played a pivotal role in the establishment and success of Dollywood, a cherished theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, that became a beacon of joy and employment in the region. His commitment to literacy and education was exemplified through the Imagination Library, co-founded with his mother, which has provided millions of free books to children globally. Cass was a visionary whose creativity extended to film and theater, leaving an indelible mark with roles in "9 to 5" and "Steel Magnolias." He also contributed to the Broadway adaptation of "9 to 5" and saw his life story come alive on stage in "Dolly: An Original Musical." A compassionate soul, Cass dedicated his life to helping those in need. His generosity was reflected in his substantial donations to healthcare, wildfire relief, and COVID-19 vaccine research. Cass's altruistic spirit was further exemplified by his support for the Dollywood Foundation and his role in launching the My People Fund to aid those affected by the Great Smoky Mountain wildfires. Cass's life was a tapestry of vibrant colors, woven with flamboyant glamour, self-deprecating humor, and a deep humility that endeared him to all who knew him. He cherished simple pleasures, enjoying cooking, baking, and traveling across the country in an RV with his family. Despite his fame, Cass remained a homebody, valuing privacy and the warmth of close-knit relationships. Preceded in death by his beloved father, Carl Dean, and his cherished girlfriend, Addison, Cass leaves behind a legacy of love and kindness. He is survived by his devoted mother, Dolly Parton, and a wide circle of friends, including Zakk Wylde and the Osbourne family, who will forever hold him in their hearts. Cass's final wishes were to maintain his signature glamour and to ensure his legacy continued to inspire. He requested that Dollywood remain a place of joy and that his image and spirit be celebrated through AI videos, reminding all of his enduring message of love and kindness. Cass Parton will be laid to rest at Woodlawn Memorial Park in Nashville, Tennessee, beside his dear Addison. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Cass's memory to the Dollywood Foundation, a testament to his lifelong dedication to making the world a better place. As we bid farewell to Cass, we take comfort in his own words: "I Will Always Love You." His spirit will forever echo in the hearts of those who were touched by his grace.