RismadarVoice Reporters
August 27, 2026
Fans have rallied around Judy Ogle, the longtime best friend and former assistant of country music icon Dolly Parton, following the singer’s reported death at the age of 80.
Parton reportedly died on August 25, 2026, after a brief battle with cancer, according to a statement from her representatives cited by People.
Before her death, Parton had publicly celebrated her decades-long friendship with Ogle, describing her as an important part of her personal life and music career.
In June, during National Best Friends Day, the Grammy-winning singer shared a tribute to Ogle on Instagram, recalling how her friend had travelled with her, worked as her assistant and supported her throughout her career.
Parton and Ogle grew up together in Tennessee and remained close for more than six decades. The pair had also faced speculation about the nature of their relationship, but Parton previously dismissed such claims, describing Ogle as a sister and saying they had been best friends since childhood.
After completing high school, Ogle joined the U.S. Army while Parton moved to Nashville to pursue a music career. Ogle later followed Parton and eventually became her assistant.
Parton had previously described Ogle as “the best friend that anybody could have,” highlighting the strength of their longstanding friendship.
Following news of Parton’s death, fans flooded Ogle’s social media posts with messages of condolence and support as she mourned the loss of her childhood friend.
Ogle has not publicly commented on Parton’s death as of the time of reporting.
Parton’s nephew and longtime head of security, Bryan Seaver, confirmed her death in a recorded video message shared on the singer’s official Instagram account. Seaver said his family had been closely connected to Parton for decades.
Parton’s death has prompted tributes from fans and admirers around the world, marking the end of a career that made her one of the most recognised figures in country music.
