The entertainment world and the wider public recorded several notable deaths last week, with the passing of internationally recognised stars, a Kenyan musician and a devastating disaster in Nepal and Tibet among the major stories.
From country music icon Dolly Parton to the voice behind Optimus Prime, the losses prompted tributes from fans and colleagues around the world.
Dolly Parton dies aged 80
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Parton was one of the most successful figures in country music, with a career spanning almost six decades. She was also known for her work as an actress, songwriter and philanthropist.
The Tennessee-born star recorded thousands of songs during her career and became internationally recognised through songs including Jolene, 9 to 5, and I Will Always Love You. Reuters reported that she had won 11 Grammy Awards and sold more than 100 million records.
Her work outside music was also significant. She founded the Imagination Library, a literacy programme that provides books to children, and supported several charitable causes.
Parton’s career stretched from a childhood in rural Tennessee to becoming one of country music’s most recognised global figures.
King Harald V dies aged 89
Norway's King Harald V died on August 28, 2026, aged 89.
The Norwegian royal palace confirmed that the monarch died peacefully after being hospitalised with a bacterial infection.
Harald became king in 1991 following the death of his father, King Olav V, and spent more than three decades as Norway's head of state. Reuters described him as a reform-minded monarch who helped modernise the Norwegian royal family.
His death immediately triggered a transition in the Norwegian monarchy.
His son, Crown Prince Haakon, became king on the same day, taking the name King Haakon VIII.
King Harald V served as Norway's monarch from 1991 until his death at the age of 89.
Tributes were subsequently paid to Harald across Norway, with members of the public gathering outside the Royal Palace to mourn the long-serving king.
Peter Cullen, the voice of Optimus Prime
Veteran Canadian voice actor Peter Cullen died on August 26, aged 85.
Cullen was best known for providing the voice of Optimus Prime in the Transformers franchise. He also voiced Eeyore in Winnie the Pooh and worked on productions including The Smurfs and G.I. Joe.
He died at his home in Los Angeles, surrounded by family, according to a statement issued through his agent.
His distinctive voice helped make Optimus Prime one of the most recognisable characters in animated entertainment.
Jaye P. Morgan dies aged 94
American singer and television personality Jaye P. Morgan died on August 24 at the age of 94.
Morgan enjoyed success as a singer during the 1950s before becoming widely known as a television personality. She was particularly remembered for her appearances as a panellist on The Gong Show.
Kenyan musician Stoopid Boy
Kenyan music also lost one of its rising street-music voices after musician Edgar, popularly known as Stoopid Boy, died on August 27.
The artist was associated with Kenya’s growing Arbantone movement and gained attention through his hit G Bag Na Jug. His death was confirmed by fellow entertainers, with tributes subsequently shared by members of the local entertainment industry.
Samuel Monroe Jr dies at 52
American actor Samuel Monroe Jr died on August 26, aged 52.
He was known for appearances in films including Menace II Society, Tales from the Hood and Don’t Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood.
Nepal-Tibet disaster claims hundreds.
Away from the entertainment industry, one of the week’s biggest tragedies occurred along the China-Nepal border.
On August 26, a torrent of ice, rock and debris swept down a mountain valley, triggering devastating flooding in Nepal and parts of Tibet.
By August 30, the reported death toll had risen above 780, while more than 3,000 people were reported missing, according to Reuters. The disaster also disrupted about 10 per cent of Nepal’s power-generation capacity.
Rescue teams focused on several hydropower projects affected by the floods. At the Upper Trishuli complex, authorities said around 350 people could be trapped inside a tunnel.
About 10,000 Nepali troops were deployed alongside specialist teams from China and India as rescue operations continued.
