Remembering Dolly Parton, 1946–2026: the Mentor Taylor Grew Up On, and Her Final Message to the Couple

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Dolly Parton died Tuesday in Nashville at 80, after what her representatives called a brief battle with cancer. Her nephew, Bryan Seaver, announced it in a video on her official Instagram; her team said she spent her life bringing joy, laughter, hope and integrity to everything she touched. This week's episode sets the usual show aside. Lyla looks at what Dolly meant to Taylor Swift specifically — the Nashville songwriter who kept her publishing, ran her own business, and made it possible for a girl with a guitar and a notebook to imagine doing the same. Dolly turned down Elvis rather than give up half of "I Will Always Love You." Decades later, Taylor re-recorded six albums to get hers back. And one more thing, which nobody could have known at the time. A few weeks ago Taylor and Travis gave $2 million to Dolly's Imagination Library, and Dolly answered with a video — thanking them, making a joke, and singing a line of her most famous song. It turned out to be one of her last public moments. Taylor's full tribute is on her Instagram, and it's worth reading in her own words.Check out the new facebook chat page here. Come join the community! It's small now and we need your help growing.Taylor Swift Today now has an official Facebook community! Connect with fellow Swifties to discuss all the incredible revelations from Taylor's New Heights appearance. Search "Taylor Swift Today" on Facebook or check out instagram and be sure to follow us to join thousands of fans worldwide. Whether you're analyzing lyrics, sharing concert memories, or just celebrating Taylor's new era, our community is the perfect place to connect with people who love Taylor as much as you do.