Dolly Parton’s cause of death has been released by her publicist, Marcel Pariseua, who revealed that the country music legend faced a “brief cancer battle” before her death on August 25 at age 80.
“After bravely facing a brief battle with cancer, Dolly departed her Earthly life today at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center surrounded by loved ones,” Marcel’s statement read.
“Our beloved Dolly Parton spent her life and career bringing joy, laughter, hope and integrity into everything she touched. Her unmatched generosity reached the lives of countless people whom she would never meet, yet she was always there to offer a helping hand.”
He continued: “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.”
Dolly’s final days
© Getty ImagesDolly was admitted to Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center on August 21. On the same day, she shared an update on her health issues, which increased after the death of her husband, Carl Dean, in March 2025.
“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 Carl,” she told People.
See the announcement of Dolly’s death below…
“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: “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.”
Ongoing health issues
The “Jolene” singer was forced to cancel her Las Vegas residency in 2025 due to undisclosed health issues, and missed an event at her Tennessee theme park, Dollywood, in August due to dizziness and dehydration.
Dolly is survived by her extended family, including her nieces and nephews, and never welcomed children with her late husband due in part to a battle with endometriosis.
© DollyParton.comShe underwent a partial hysterectomy in 1985 to alleviate the immense pain caused by her condition.
The star’s nephew, Brian Seaver, announced her death via a video message on August 25.
© Instagram“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.
“Rest in peace, Aunt Dolly – Aunt, Granny, Gigi. May God bless Dolly Parton, and may God bless you all. She will always love you.”
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