Dolly Parton was battling cancer before she did, her representatives have confirmed.
Dolly Parton died following a “brief battle” with cancer.
The country music legend passed away on Tuesday (25.08.26) at the age of 80 and while she had spoken before her death about suffering from health issues, it had not been confirmed what they were until now.
Her representatives said in a statement: “Our beloved Dolly Parton spent her life and career bringing joy, laughter, hope and integrity into everything she touched. Her unmatched generosity reached the lives of countless people whom she would never meet, yet she was always there to offer a helping hand.
“Whether it be the hundreds of millions of books donated through her invaluable Imagination Library or funding research that helped create a lifesaving vaccine used around the world, Dolly’s unconditional love for all people was the guiding force for her lasting impact.
“After bravely facing a brief battle with cancer, Dolly departed her Earthly life today at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center surrounded by loved ones.”
Dolly had been admitted to the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville on Friday (21.08.26) and while her representatives did not disclose the type of cancer she was suffering with, it has been reported that she was facing kidney and autoimmune problems before her death.
The Jolene hitmaker’s passing was announced in a video message from her nephew, Bryan Seaver, shared on her Instagram account on Tuesday.
He said: “My name is Bryan Seaver, son of Cassie Parton, and I’m representing the Parton and Owens family today announcing the passing of my aunt, Dolly Rebecca Parton Dean, Sister, Sis and Granny to one generation and Gigi to the next.
“This video announcement is something Dolly asked of me years ago, before I fully absorbed it as a future reality.
“As her head of security for more than two decades, a role my father Larry held before me, I have imagined the heaviness of this moment but haven’t truly felt it until now.
“It is an honour, an honour that is mixed with absolute pride and great sadness. But sadness lies with us, not with Dolly. Dolly has lived in the light and is in the arms of Jesus, surely met by Carl, her parents and countless others who have watched her and longed to meet her in the heavens.”
Just days before her death, Dolly – whose husband Carl Dean passed away in March 2025 – acknowledged her recent health struggles.
She told People magazine on Friday: “As I’ve shared in video messages throughout the past year, I am dealing with some health issues that I just didn’t pay attention to when I was watching over [my husband] Carl.
“You know, this isn’t the first time I’ve had to manage something like this. Back in the early ’80s, I was down for several months with female issues, and I was struggling with my weight at the time too, so it’s not like I haven’t been through hard times with my health.”
Dolly Parton battling cancer before death
