The world lost several influential figures in 2026. Associated Press has published a list of notable people who died this year. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Associated Press.

In August, country music icon Dolly Parton passed away. She was the author of classic songs such as "Jolene" and "I Will Always Love You." Parton was known not only for her musical achievements but also for her philanthropy and business ventures, including the Dollywood theme park.

In the same month, actress Hayden Panettiere died. She was a former child star who found fame on the TV shows "Heroes" and "Nashville."

Other notable people who died in August include former Chinese premier Zhu Rongji, actor Tim Curry, ZZ Top drummer Frank Beard, Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama, Canadian TV news anchor Lloyd Robertson, and Norwegian King Harald V.

Here is a roll call of some influential figures who have died this year (the cause of death is cited, if available):

  • 01Diane Crump, 77. In 1969, she became the first woman to ride professionally in a horse race and a year later became the first female jockey in the Kentucky Derby. Jan. 1.
  • 01Ahn Sung-ki, 74. He was one of South Korean cinema's biggest stars whose prolific 60-year career and positive, gentle public image earned him the nickname "The Nation's Actor." Jan. 5.
  • 01Aldrich Ames, 84. The CIA turncoat who betrayed Western intelligence assets to the Soviet Union and Russia in one of the most damaging intelligence breaches in U.S. history died in prison. Jan. 5.
  • 01Béla Tarr, 70. The celebrated Hungarian filmmaker directed such works as "Sátántangó" and "The Turin Horse" and was the recipient of numerous awards for his long and often darkly comic films. Jan. 6.
  • 01Glenn Hall, 94. Nicknamed "Mr. Goalie," he was a Hockey Hall of Famer whose ironman streak of 502 starts as a goalkeeper remains an NHL record. Jan. 7.
  • 01Bob Weir, 78. The guitarist and singer was an essential member of the Grateful Dead who helped found the sound of the San Francisco counterculture of the 1960s and kept it alive through decades of endless tours and marathon jams. Jan. 10.
  • 01John Forté, 50. The Grammy-nominated musician was known for his work with the Fugees and the Refugee Camp All-Stars, among others. Jan. 12.
  • 01Scott Adams, 68. His popular comic strip "Dilbert" captured the frustration of beleaguered, white-collar cubicle dwellers. Jan. 13 (approximate).