Country music icon Dolly Parton has died aged 80 following a brief battle with cancer, her representatives have confirmed. The singer passed away on Tuesday at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville, surrounded by loved ones.
In a statement issued to PEOPLE on Tuesday, August 25, Parton's team confirmed the star's death after a "brief battle with cancer." The specific type of cancer has not been disclosed.
"Our beloved Dolly Parton spent her life and career bringing joy, laughter, hope and integrity into everything she touched," the statement read. "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."
Hospitalisation and final days
The statement concluded: "After bravely facing a brief battle with cancer, Dolly departed her Earthly life today at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center surrounded by loved ones."
Parton's nephew Bryan Seaver broke the news to the world via a heartfelt social media post the same day. The iconic singer had been admitted to a Nashville-area hospital on Friday, August 21, according to PEOPLE, where she passed away four days later.
Just four days before her death, Parton had spoken candidly about her declining health in a separate interview with PEOPLE. "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," she said.
Health struggles and continued work
"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," she continued.
She added: "But, I think because we live in a 24/7 world with social media, everything gets magnified in ways it wasn't years ago. I used to joke that I was the Queen of the Tabloids, but now I guess I can say I'm the Queen of Social Media AI! Seriously, though, even though I'm still healin', I'm still workin'! You know me - as I've often said - I've dreamed myself into a corner and I still have so many things I want to achieve, so I'm gonna keep on working as long as I can to see everything come to life."
In lieu of flowers, her family has requested that donations be directed to Parton's Imagination Library early childhood literacy initiative.
Legacy of music and philanthropy
Parton was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2022. She is best known for penning iconic hit songs, including Jolene and I Will Always Love You. The latter became one of the defining love songs of the 20th century, serving as a farewell to her former creative collaborator Porter Wagoner, who brought her on board as co-host on The Porter Wagoner Show and helped her secure a record deal.
The track became a massive hit when Whitney Houston recorded a cover version for the 1992 film The Bodyguard. Parton's film career got underway in 1980 when she appeared alongside Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda in 9 To 5. The movie's theme tune became her first number one single on the Hot 100 chart in the US. Her 1973 recording Jolene is widely regarded as one of the greatest country music songs ever written.
Her PR team encapsulated the country music icon's life with a tribute and statement on Tuesday, reading: "Dolly Parton's legacy is one of love, compassion, and resilience. With a seven-decade career, she inspired multiple generations of artists and fans with her music and an unwavering commitment to making the world a better place." It concluded: "Her songs will continue to resonate with people of all ages, and her philanthropic work will have a lasting impact."
