Country Music Icon Dolly Parton Dies at 80: Her Hudson Valley Connection

Country Music Icon Dolly Parton Passes Away at the Age of 80

The world was rocked on the afternoon of August 25th, 2026 as we learned that Dolly Parton, the Queen of country music, died at the age of 80.

According to reports Parton passed away after a brief battle with cancer. Taste of Country is reporting that Parton was surrounded by her loved ones at the time of her passing.

Parton's nephew Bryan Seaver made the announcement and confirmed the news in a video shared on Dolly's social media accounts. Take a look:

As more information about Parton's passing comes in, we'll make sure to keep you updated.

With that being said, we're looking back on some incredible moments that Dolly Parton had here in the Hudson Valley.

Remember When Dolly Parton Performed at The Delaware County Fair?

In August 1969 Dolly Parton made her way to New York to perform at a local fair and the timing couldn't have been better.

On August 15th, 1969 Dolly performed at the Delaware County Fair. The Delaware County Historical Association explains that while Dolly was performing at the fair, there was another big musical event going on.

They write:

August 15, 1969 - Dolly Parton appears at the Delaware County Fair.

44 miles to the south, in Bethel, NY, the Woodstock Music Festival was just getting under way.

Check out the photo and flyer from the fair:

Someone who worked the event back in 1969 shared this behind the scenes moment in the comment section:

I was a Police officer in Walton at that time and drew stage duty that night , l stayed on stage with Porter and Dolly ,

Dolly gave me a smacker on each cheek,

When the show was over l found out l had a big red on each cheek

Dolly Parton Performs Sullivan County Community College

A few years later, Dolly returned to the area this time in Sullivan County.

The Queen of Country music performed at Sullivan County Community College in August of 1975 according to Borscht Belt Historical Marker Project on Facebook.

Take a look at the photos of her performance below:

One comment left underneath post reads:

That’s when and where I saw her too. I was in high school. Everyone thought I was nuts when I told them where I saw her. I couldn’t remember the exact year.

What we would give to have another Dolly Parton concert at a local Hudson Valley college.

Were you at either Dolly Parton show? Do you have photos or memories of the event? We'd love to hear from you!