Dolly Parton cause of death revealed as country music legend dies aged 80 after brief cancer battle

Dolly Parton died following a “brief battle with cancer”, her representatives have confirmed, revealing new details about the country music icon’s death at the age of 80.

The “Jolene” singer died on Tuesday, August 25, just four days after she was admitted to the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Centre in Nashville.

In a statement to People , Parton’s representatives confirmed she had been diagnosed with cancer, although the specific type has not been disclosed.

“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,” the statement read.

Parton’s representatives reflected on the enormous philanthropic legacy she leaves behind, including her Imagination Library literacy program and her financial contribution towards research that helped develop the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.

“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. After bravely facing a brief battle with cancer, Dolly departed her Earthly life today at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center surrounded by loved ones,” the statement concluded.

The revelation comes after Parton had spoken publicly about experiencing health problems in the period leading up to her death.

She had reportedly been dealing with kidney and autoimmune issues before being admitted to hospital on Friday, August 21.

Just days earlier, Parton opened up about her health in what would become her final interview, revealing she had neglected some of her own medical concerns while caring for her late husband, Carl Thomas Dean.

“It’s not like I haven’t been through hard times with my health,” she told People.

“I am dealing with some health issues that I just didn’t pay attention to when I was watching over Carl.”

Dean, Parton’s husband of nearly six decades, died aged 82 in March 2025.

Despite her health struggles, Parton had remained determined to continue working, telling the publication she was “still healin’” and “still workin’”.

News of the country superstar’s death was initially announced by her nephew Bryan Seaver in a video shared on social media on August 25.