The list of celebrity deaths in 2026 has grown to include leading figures from music, film, television, sport, fashion and activism, with the deaths of Dolly Parton, Bonnie Tyler, Gloria Steinem and Bob Mackie among the most widely mourned.
The latest addition is fashion designer Bob Mackie, who died in Palm Springs, California, on Monday, September 14, aged 87. His publicist said he died from pneumonia. Mackie was renowned for creating flamboyant costumes and gowns for stars including Cher, Barbra Streisand, Diana Ross and Madonna, and won nine Emmy Awards and a Tony Award. ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/b2e50b957a55462995e76290a3920e1b?utm_source=openai))
Notable celebrity deaths in 2026
Gloria Steinem, the pioneering writer and women’s rights campaigner, died on September 2 at her home in New York City, aged 92. Her death was announced by Gloria’s Foundation, which said she had spent her later years writing and remaining connected to her community. ([washingtonpost.com](https://www.washingtonpost.com/obituaries/2026/09/03/gloria-steinem-lodestar-modern-womens-movement-dies-92/?utm_source=openai))
Jazz vocalist Cassandra Wilson died on September 1 at the age of 70. The two-time Grammy Award winner was celebrated for a distinctive style that moved between jazz, blues, folk, pop, rhythm and blues and country.
Other prominent deaths reported in late August included actor Tim Curry, who was best known for playing Dr Frank-N-Furter in The Rocky Horror Picture Show, and Peter Cullen, the voice of Optimus Prime in the Transformers franchise. Curry was 80 and Cullen was 85.
Dolly Parton died on August 25, aged 80, following a career spanning seven decades. The singer, songwriter, actor and philanthropist was known for songs including Jolene and 9 to 5, while her family said she had died peacefully in Nashville. ([dollywood.com](https://www.dollywood.com/press/dolly-parton-passing/?utm_source=openai))
Parton sold more than 100 million records worldwide and founded the Dollywood theme park and the Imagination Library literacy programme. Dollywood said it would continue to operate in accordance with her wish that it remain a place of joy and togetherness. ([dollywood.com](https://www.dollywood.com/press/dolly-parton-passing/?utm_source=openai))
Television and film audiences also mourned Shelley Fabares, known for The Donna Reed Show and Coach, and Michael Wright, who appeared in The Five Heartbeats. Actor Hayden Panettiere, known for Heroes and Nashville, died aged 36.
In sport, former Major League Baseball pitcher Tommy John died aged 83. The elbow operation he underwent in 1974 became known by his name and helped extend the careers of many professional baseball players.
Several influential musicians died during the summer. They included Village People frontman Victor Willis, Blood, Sweat & Tears singer David Clayton-Thomas, record executive Clive Davis, hip-hop producer Tay Keith and salsa star Willie Colón.
Welsh singer Bonnie Tyler died on July 8, aged 75, after becoming ill in hospital in Portugal. Her family and management said she had died unexpectedly from the illness for which she was receiving treatment. Tyler was best known for the international hits Total Eclipse of the Heart and Holding Out for a Hero. ([bonnietyler.com](https://bonnietyler.com/news/statement-on-the-passing-of-bonnie-tyler/?utm_source=openai))
Tyler’s death was followed by tributes to Irish musician Glen Hansard, who died in a motorcycle crash in Dublin, and Lauren Bennett, the singer featured on LMFAO’s Party Rock Anthem. The list also included Freddy Cannon, Lou Koller of Sick of It All and Arlene Smith of the Chantels.
Among the actors reported to have died were Sam Neill, the New Zealand star of Jurassic Park; Anthony Head, known for Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Ted Lasso; Brenda Fricker, the Oscar-winning star of My Left Foot; and Hal Williams, who appeared in Sanford and Son and 227.
Robert Duvall, one of Hollywood’s most respected actors, died in February aged 95. His career lasted more than seven decades and included acclaimed performances in The Godfather and Tender Mercies.
Other notable deaths in the first months of the year included Catherine O’Hara, celebrated for Beetlejuice, Home Alone and Schitt’s Creek; Grateful Dead founding member Bob Weir; actor James Van Der Beek; and martial artist and actor Chuck Norris.
The 2026 list also records the deaths of athletes, directors, producers, writers and cultural figures whose work reached audiences across generations. It is expected to continue being updated as further deaths are confirmed.
