Dolly Parton Died After a ‘Brief Battle’ With Cancer, According to Her Reps

Dolly Parton passed away at the age of 80 following a brief battle with cancer, her representatives announced on Tuesday. The iconic country music artist and philanthropist had largely withdrawn from public life in recent months due to ongoing health issues. Her team did not disclose the specific type of cancer she was diagnosed with.

In a statement, Team Dolly recalled Parton's life and career, highlighting her "joy, laughter, hope, and integrity," which she infused into everything she touched. They also emphasized her "unmatched generosity," noting that she touched the lives of countless individuals through her Imagination Library and funding research that led to a lifesaving vaccine used globally.

Parton was admitted to Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville on Friday and passed away four days later, surrounded by loved ones. Her nephew and head of security, Bryan Seaver, announced her death on Instagram earlier that day, explaining that he had been asked to make the announcement "years ago" by Parton herself, giving him time to prepare for the future.

Seaver expressed mixed feelings about the news, stating that it is an honor to be with Parton in her final moments, yet tinged with sadness. He concluded by saying that Parton "has lived in the light, and is in the arms of Jesus." The singer had been scheduled to begin a limited Vegas residency at the Colosseum at Caesar's Palace in December 2025, but postponed the six-show run in September 2024 due to health complications, assuring fans that "she ain’t dead yet."