Dolly Parton appeared determined to keep smiling through her final public appearances, despite fans raising concerns over her health in the weeks before her sudden death. The country music icon, 80, died on Tuesday following months of health problems, with her nephew Bryan Seaver breaking the devastating news in a video shared on Instagram.
Final Public Appearance at Tennessee Truck Stop
One of Dolly's last major public appearances came in June, when she attended the grand opening of her Tennessean Travel Stop in Cornersville, Tennessee. The venue, which bears the star's name, features a sit-down cafe and restaurant, petrol pumps and a range of Dolly-themed merchandise.
Dolly looked every inch the country superstar for the occasion, wearing a skintight, beaded outfit, high heels and her trademark blonde hair styled into an updo. She appeared upbeat as she joined Greg Sachs for the ceremonial ribbon-cutting.
Fan Concerns Over Health
However, photographs from the event also sparked concern among fans, with Dolly appearing to struggle to remain standing without support and leaning on members of her team to keep her balance. The appearance came after she had already cancelled a number of public engagements as her health deteriorated.
Dolly had been dealing with medical problems since late last year, although she repeatedly reassured fans that she hoped to return to performing. Her nephew Bryan revealed her death on Tuesday afternoon, explaining that Dolly had asked him years ago to deliver the news herself through a video message.
Final Wishes and Health Struggles
He also shared details of her final wishes. “Dolly called me and said she wants to rest in a beautiful bed of plush cotton because after a life of wearing heavy rhinestones, she finally deserves to be comfortable and have some rest,” he said. No further details about the cause of death were revealed.
In the days leading up to her death, Dolly had continued communicating with fans through social media rather than making regular public appearances. She had also expressed excitement about the planned opening of her new museum at her SongTeller Hotel in Nashville later this year. On August 19, she accepted the ACM Poet’s Award at the 19th ACM Honors in Nashville via video message.
Dolly had previously admitted that she had neglected her own health while caring for her husband Carl Dean, who died last year aged 82 following a six-year battle with Alzheimer’s disease. “I am dealing with some health issues that I just didn’t pay attention to when I was watching over Carl,” Dolly told People. She had also revealed that she was suffering from “a kidney stone” and an infection, which doctors advised her prevented her from travelling.
Her health problems ultimately saw her postpone and then cancel her Las Vegas residency, while she also missed her 80th birthday celebration at the Grand Ole Opry and an event at Dollywood.
