Dolly Parton Dies at 80: Remembering the Country Star’s Lifelong Love of Dogs
Country star Dolly Parton has passed away at the age of 80. Like so many, here at Woof Republic, we’re devastated. The beloved singer not only had the voice of an angel, but also the aura of one. She famously donated to many charitable causes, had her own free book club for children, Imagination Library, and was a massive dog lover.
In 2022, Parton helped raise money for animals in need by releasing a line of dog apparel, called Doggy Parton, per Today. Items included a super cute pink cowboy hat and a chic gingham harness. While filming a promotional video, the “Jolene” singer explained that she has had a lifelong love of animals. She also told her fans that proceeds “support[ed] Willa B. Farms, a rescue where animals in need find never-ending love.” While the collection is no longer available, you can still support Willa B. Farms by making a donation.
Photo by Erik Mclean on Unsplash
Parton also shared her love for her childhood dog in the 1974 song, “Cracker Jack,” off her celebrated album, Jolene. In the tune, Parton shared that the pup, whom she found as a stray, was “best friend that [she] ever had.”
The 9 to 5 star and her husband, Carl Dean, who died in 2025 at the age of 82, were also devoted dog owners to a beautiful Boston Terrier named Popeye throughout the 1980s.
While at the time of her passing, Parton didn’t have a dog of her own, she had her very own God-dog, a French Bulldog named Billy the Kid.
Photo by Samuel Charron on Unsplash
Rest in peace, Dolly! We’ll all miss you so much!