Country music legend Dolly Parton has died at the age of 80, just days after admitting she had not paid attention to her health issues. Her nephew Brian Seaver announced the news in a video posted on Instagram on Tuesday.
Health struggles revealed days before death
Days before her passing, Parton spoke to People about her ongoing health difficulties. She said: "I am dealing with some health issues that I just didn't pay attention to when I was watching over Carl." She added: "It's not like I haven't been through hard times with my health," recalling a period in the early 1980s when she was "down for several months with female issues."
The singer, who battled endometriosis, underwent a hysterectomy in the 1980s, according to the Express. Parton reflected on today's "24/7 world with social media" and how it amplifies every incident in "ways it wasn't years ago."
Still working until the end
In the days leading up to her death, Parton confessed she was still actively working. She joked: "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!" On a more sombre note, she added: "Even though I'm still healin', I'm still workin'."
The musician continued: "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."
Parton revealed she was exploring methods to deliver fresh experiences to her supporters, collaborating with firms to develop "avatar performances" which remain in the "early stages of development." She made a virtual appearance on Thursday to collect the Poet's Award at the Academy of Country Music Awards, among several recent occasions she participated in from afar.
Nephew's tribute
Parton was predeceased by her husband of nearly 60 years, Carl Thomas Dean, who passed away in March 2025. In the video announcement, Seaver said: "My name is Brin 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."
He added: "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."
Seaver concluded: "Rest in peace, Aunt Dolly - Aunt, Granny, Gigi. May God bless Dolly Parton, and may God bless you all. She will always love you."
