8 Celebrities Who Are 80 or Older, Then and Now: Cher, Dolly Parton, and More

Bailey BujnosekSun, May 24, 2026 at 5:00 PM UTC

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Dolly Parton in January 1996.
Credit: CBS via Getty ImagesThe Gist -

Several stars have made it to their milestone 80th birthdays, with many continuing their careers into their eighth decade.

Cher and Dolly Parton both turned 80 in 2026, joining the likes of Goldie Hawn and Barbra Streisand in the octogenarian club.

Legendary talents like Diana Ross and Jane Fonda continue to work today as performers and activists.

How does a celebrity become a national treasure? Longevity certainly plays a part—it’s hard not to root for the A-lister who reaches their golden years and acts as if they’re still just getting started. They have more time to make an impact, and, if they’re so inclined, to embark upon a second act that’s unexpected but welcome.

Dolly Parton’s six-decade career has seen her win 11 Grammys across nearly 50 studio albums, and the 80-year-old icon isn’t slowing down. In 2026, her self-titled autobiographical musical is slated to make its Broadway debut. When the icon reached her milestone eighth decade, she told People in a cover story that she doesn’t let reminders of her age affect her. “I think there’s a lot to be said about age. If you allow yourself to get old, you will,” the “Jolene” singer said.

“I say, ‘I ain’t got time to get old!’” she continued. “I ain’t got time to dwell on that. That’s not what I’m thinking about.”

Her optimistic attitude is one shared by many of her fellow celebrities who are age 80 or older. Ahead, learn more about a few of the talented creatives who have established and maintained legendary careers over the course of their eight-plus decades—and see pictures of them from early in their stardom and today.

01 of 08

Cher

Cher at the 2026 Met Gala.
Credit: TheStewartofNY/Getty Images

Cher, who celebrated her 80th birthday on May 20, 2026, is a star for the ages. The dazzling contralto was just 19 when she and Sonny Bono landed their first hit, “I Got You Babe.” She went on to become one of the best-selling artists of all time, scoring hit singles in seven decades, per Billboard. From TV stardom to leading-lady status, the Goddess of Pop has proved that talent and ambition can take you far—but if you ask her, she’s quick to credit luck for her longtime success.

Cher modeling for Bob Mackie in April 1978.
Credit: Harry Langdon/Getty Images

"I believe that luck has a lot to do with it,” she told the in 2013, adding, “There are lots of people who are more talented or whatever, but somehow this has been my path."

02 of 08

Dolly Parton

Dolly Parton in Nashville in January 2025.
Credit: Jason Kempin/Getty Images

She’s a singer-songwriter, actress, producer, and theme park co-owner, but Parton said in a 2025 interview with Parade that her children’s literacy program holds a special place in her heart. “The Imagination Library is one of the things that I’m most proud of out of anything I’ve ever done in my whole life,” the artist shared. “People often ask me, ‘What do you want to be remembered for?’ I say I want to be remembered for anything good that I’ve done.”

Dolly Parton in Los Angeles in September 1979.
Credit: Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images

Parton rang in 80 years in January 2026, receiving well-wishes from Reba McEntire, Lainey Wilson, Miley Cyrus, and more musicians who’ve been inspired by her record-breaking, rhinestone-studded career.

03 of 08

Goldie Hawn

Goldie Hawn at the Children's Oncology Support Fund gala in March 2026.
Credit: Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty Images

Oscar winner Goldie Hawn marked eight decades around the sun in November 2025, and she’s been in the spotlight almost as long. From her breakout in Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In to her epic love story with fellow actor Kurt Russell, the iconic blonde is one of the most beloved performers of her generation. After taking a 15-year break from acting in the 2000s, she returned to the screen in 2017. "I’d sort of got the bug again. Thinking, 'Gee, I wonder if there’s anything out there? It’d be kind of fun to do something again,’” she explained to People that year.

Goldie Hawn on 'Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In,' circa 1960s or 70s.
Credit: Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

While her last film project was in 2020, the 81-year-old actress continues to enjoy being a mom and grandma. In May 2026, she and partner Russell attended grandson Ryder’s graduation from NYU.

04 of 08

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Harrison Ford

Harrison Ford at SiriusXM Studios in May 2026.
Credit: Cindy Ord/Getty Images for SiriusXM

Bringing to life memorable characters like Han Solo and Indiana Jones propelled Harrison Ford to fame in the ‘70s and ‘80s. Yet the action star has also found a refreshing second act in hit Apple TV dramedy Shrinking, in which he plays gruff therapist Dr. Paul Rhoades. The 83-year-old actor said in a 2026 press panel that he’d be okay with the role forming the denouement of his decades-spanning career.

Harrison Ford in March 1978.
Credit: Michael Montfort/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

“This has been a different kind of job for me, and I’ve been doing this for a long time,” Ford said of Shrinking, per The Hollywood Reporter. “This is very special and it really nurtures me and makes me feel like what we’re doing has value and importance. I look for that in my life and I’m happy to have found it here,” he added.

05 of 08

Barbra Streisand

Barbra Streisand speaking at the 2026 Academy Awards.
Credit: Frank Micelotta/Disney via Getty Images

Asking someone to name their favorite Barbra Streisand song or performance isn’t really fair—there are dozens of choices, all of them equally appealing in their own ways. It’s no wonder the multitalented "actress who sings" has won multiple Oscars, Grammys, Emmys, and an honorary Tony Award. At 84 years old, Streisand is going strong like always, releasing her 37th studio album, The Secret of Life: Partners, Volume Two, in 2025.

Barbra Streisand in a publicity still for 'Funny Girl,' 1968.
Credit: Silver Screen Collection/Getty Images

She told People the same year that she plans to continue making music as long as she can. "I love standing there in front of the mic with the music in my ears and singing, and there are more songs I want to sing. And I even have my original list of songs I've wanted to sing [since I was 18 years old]."

06 of 08

Diana Ross

Diana Ross and son Evan Ross (L) at the 2025 Met Gala.
Credit: Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images

Diana Ross rose to fame as the lead vocalist of the Supremes, becoming the “Queen of Motown” in the ‘60s before embarking on a mega-successful solo career. The singer and actress has proved “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” to stop her from breaking barriers and getting her flowers. Ross, who celebrated her 82nd birthday in March 2026, continues to perform around the world.

Diana Ross, pictured in 1973.
Credit: CENTRAL PRESS / AFP

The glamorous diva also shut down the Met Gala in 2025, wearing an 18-foot feathered train embroidered on the inside with the names of her five children and eight grandchildren. “I like staying busy,” Ross shared with People in 2025. “Because I love what I do, it keeps me grounded.

07 of 08

Jane Fonda

Jane Fonda at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival.
Credit: Aurore Marechal/Getty Images

She’s 88 and feeling great! Jane Fonda’s diverse resume as an actress, workout guru, and activist has continued to expand in her eighth decade of life. Most recently, she starred in 2026 documentary Gaslit, which sees her traveling across America’s Gulf region to explore the long-term impacts of oil and gas production on people and their communities.

Jane Fonda, circa 1960s.
Credit: Corbis via Getty Images

Speaking about her continued commitment to environmental causes at Gaslit’s premiere in February, the Academy Award winner told People, “My sleeves are rolled up and I'm ready for bear. It's going to be a busy year. It's a crucial year.”

08 of 08

Rita Moreno

Rita Moreno in April 2026.
Credit: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Rita Moreno has long been a trailblazer. In 1977, the West Side Storypowerhouse achieved prestigious EGOT status, becoming the first Latina to do so, according to the National Women’s History Museum. The legendary performer, who turned 94 in 2025, has maintained a lauded career for over eight decades—including appearing in and executive-producing Steven Spielberg’s 2020 remake of West Side Story.

Rita Moreno, circa 1950s.
Credit: Screen Archives/Getty Images

She’s also fostered a close relationship with her only child, daughter Fernanda Luisa Gordon. In 2024, Moreno told People she and her daughter "both like to get a lot out of life," adding that they “go and do things that we enjoy. We shop together. We travel together.”

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