Celebrity deaths of 2026: Remembering the stars we've lost, from John Anderson to Dolly Parton

Country Music Hall of Famer John Anderson has died at 71. His death was announced on his social media accounts on Wednesday, with his family paying tribute to their "beloved husband, father, grandfather, and best friend."

The LA Times reported that the singer died in his sleep at his home in Smithville, Tenn. on Wednesday.

Blake Shelton, Gwen Stefani, Reba McEntire and Luke Combs are among those who have paid tribute to the singer on social media, with Shelton — who collaborated with Anderson on "Tuesday I'll Be Gone" — writing, "I am a very lucky man. I got the opportunity to find out that my hero wasn't just the guy I hoped he'd be."

Other notable deaths in 2026 so far include country music icon Dolly Parton, The Rocky Horror Picture Show star Tim Curry, Heroes actor Hayden Panettiere, Jurassic Park star Sam Neill, Grey's Anatomy alum Eric Dane and Beetlejuice star Catherine O'Hara.

Jan. 10: Bob Weir

The guitarist and singer cofounded the Grateful Dead. Weir, who had been diagnosed with cancer, died at 78 as a result of underlying lung issues, a family statement read.

Jan. 30: Catherine O'Hara

The actor was best known for her roles in Home Alone, Beetlejuice and Schitt's Creek. She was 71. According to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's Office, O'Hara's cause of death was a blood clot in the lungs, which led to a heart attack. She also had rectal cancer.

Feb. 11: James Van Der Beek

The actor played the title character in the teen drama Dawson's Creek. His wife Kimberley announced the news of his death following his years-long experience with colorectal cancer. He was 48.

Feb. 15: Robert Duvall

The Oscar-winning actor, who starred as Tom Hagen in The Godfather, died at 95. Duvall's cause of death was unknown, but his wife confirmed he died "peacefully" at home.

Feb. 19: Eric Dane

The actor, who starred in Grey's Anatomy and Euphoria, died at 53 of complications related to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Dane revealed he had the neurodegenerative disease, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, in April 2025. It's rare, with about 5,000 Americans diagnosed each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

March 19: Chuck Norris

The actor and martial arts star died nine days after turning 86. Norris got his first big break in Hollywood in 1972, appearing opposite Bruce Lee in The Way of the Dragon. He went on to star in a steady stream of movies, including Breaker! Breaker! and An Eye for an Eye. His cause of death has not been confirmed.

March 20: Nicholas Brendon

The actor, who played Xander Harris in the fantasy TV hit Buffy the Vampire Slayer, died at 54. According to an autopsy report, Brendon died from heart disease caused by blocked arteries and high blood pressure. He also had pneumonia.

May 6: Ted Turner

The media mogul, who founded CNN and once owned the Atlanta Braves, died at 87. A cause of death was not announced, but his website said he died "after a long battle with Lewy body dementia."

June 14: Oliver Tree

The alternative-pop musician and internet personality died at 32. Tree, known for the track "Miss You," was among six people killed when two helicopters collided over Rio de Janeiro.

June 16: Daveigh Chase

The actor, who voiced Lilo in Lilo & Stitch and played Samara in The Ring, died at 35. According to the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner, Chase's primary cause of death was AIDS.

June 30: Victor Willis

Willis, the lead singer of the Village People and the distinctive voice behind disco classics including "Y.M.C.A.," "Go West" and "In the Navy," was 74. According to his widow, Willis died of primary liver cancer with metastasis.

July 8: Bonnie Tyler

The Welsh singer rose to fame with her 1983 power ballad "Total Eclipse of the Heart," which spent four weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. Her family said she died in a hospital "unexpectedly" at 75, "as a result of the illness that she was being treated for." She was hospitalized in May for emergency intestinal surgery and later placed in an induced coma.

July 13: Sam Neill

The New Zealand actor was best known for playing Dr. Alan Grant in Jurassic Park. The 1993 hit was a box-office smash and pop-culture phenomenon that won three Oscars. Neill also starred in The Piano and The Hunt for Red October, among other movies. He died at 78 from pneumonia, his agent said.

July 21: Kaylee Hottle

The actor, who was 18, starred in the 2021 film Godzilla vs. Kong and its 2024 sequel Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire. Her father, Joshua Hottle, said that Kaylee died after a serious car crash.

Aug. 16: Hayden Panettiere

The actor, best known for starring in the TV shows Nashville and Heroes, died at 36. Her film credits included Remember the Titans, Ice Princess and two Scream movies. She died from a fentanyl overdose, according to the Greenville County Coroner's Office.

Aug. 18: Frank Beard

The musician, who spent 56 years as the drummer for ZZ Top, died at 77. A cause of death was not announced, but his publicist said Beard was receiving hospice care.

Aug. 25: Dolly Parton

The Queen of Country died at 80 from cancer. She was "surrounded by loved ones" while receiving medical care at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville, her representatives said.

Aug. 25: Tim Curry

The longtime character actor and star of The Rocky Horror Picture Show died at his home in Los Angeles at 80. Documents obtained by People from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health indicate Curry died of coronary artery disease.

Sept. 1: Carla Jeffery

Actor Carla Jeffery, best known for playing Bree Prattle in Disney's Zombies franchise, died at 33 on Sept. 1. Jeffery's management announced her death in an Instagram statement on Sept. 2. No cause of death was given.

Oct. 12: RJ Mitte

The actor and disability rights advocate rose to fame on the hit drama Breaking Bad. His publicist told Reuters that he died by suicide.

Oct. 21: John Anderson

Country Music Hall of Famer John Anderson died age 71 on Oct. 21. The LA Times reported that the singer died in his sleep at his home in Smithville, Tenn.

If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental or emotional health, help is available. Call or text 988 to reach the 988 Lifeline, or go to 988lifeline.org.