Dolly Parton, whose ties to Sarasota spanned nearly six decades, died Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2026, at age 80 after a brief battle with cancer, according to her family and representatives.

Parton played a sold-out show at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall in 2011, and her Imagination Library sends free books to Sarasota County children each month. Both connections drew immediate local tributes after her death was announced.

The Van Wezel said in a social media post, cited by Patch, that it was "deeply saddened" by Parton's passing and that the venue "was fortunate enough to welcome" her during her 2011 Better Day World Tour.

Mary Bensel, executive director of the Van Wezel, told WWSB on Wednesday, Aug. 26, that the concert remains a highlight. "When I heard there was the opportunity to bring her to the Van Wezel, I couldn't say yes fast enough," Bensel said. She called Parton "a charmer" who was "gracious and beautiful" with "a great heart."

Parton's Sarasota history stretches back further. In 1968, she performed at Robarts Arena with Porter Wagoner as part of the Festival of Stars Country Music Jamboree, according to the Englewood Review.

A literacy legacy in Sarasota mailboxes

Beyond the stage, Parton's Imagination Library program delivers free, age-appropriate books each month to registered children from birth through age five. The Library Foundation for Sarasota County, led by Executive Director Alisa Mitchell, serves as the local Imagination Library partner, mailing books directly to enrolled families at no cost.

Parton founded the Imagination Library in 1995 as a tribute to her father, Robert Lee Parton, who never learned to read or write. The program started in her home county of Sevier, Tennessee. It has since grown to five countries and, as of Wednesday, Aug. 26, has gifted more than 332 million books, according to the Herald-Tribune. One in every six U.S. children age five and younger receives its books.

Parton's family asked fans to make donations to the Imagination Library in lieu of flowers. Users reported that the nonprofit's donation site experienced availability problems after her death was announced, apparently because of a surge in traffic.

Jeff Conyers, president of The Dollywood Foundation, said in a statement that the organization's responsibility is to care for what Parton entrusted to them and ensure her work continues reaching children, families and communities.

Sarasota County families can sign up for the Imagination Library through the Library Foundation for Sarasota County at sarasotalibraryfoundation.org/our-initiatives. A child enrolled from birth can receive up to 60 books by age 5.