Dolly Parton's cause of death revealed: Country legend died after 'brief battle with cancer'

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE: Legendary singer Dolly Parton’s death has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry and beyond, with social media users paying tribute to the iconic personality.

Amid tributes and messages from celebrities and fans, her representatives revealed the cause of her death at age 80. The iconic singer died after a “brief battle” with cancer at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville.

According to People, she was admitted to Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville on Friday, August 21.

Dolly Parton’s cancer battle revealed after death

Parton had been suffering from health issues for quite some time and was unable to attend a Dollywood event.

Her representatives told PEOPLE, “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,” they shared in a statement.

“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 said. Her nephew, Bryan Seaver, announced the news in an Instagram video, as per the publication.

Dolly Parton missed Dollywood event amid health issues

Just a week ago, the beloved country singer experienced dizziness and dehydration shortly before her Dollywood event.

As a result, she was unable to attend the event at the Dollywood theme park, but she still appeared in videos to introduce the park’s new Nightflight Expedition roller coaster.

A year earlier, Parton canceled a six-show residency in Las Vegas, saying she was “dealing with some health challenges." Later, she also canceled the rescheduled dates in May.

She explained, “My immune system and my digestive system got all out of whack over the past couple, three years, and they’re working real hard on rebuilding (and) strengthening those, and hopefully I’ll be up to snuff again soon.”

A couple of days ago, she gave an interview, saying, "I am dealing with some health issues that I just didn’t pay attention to when I was watching over Carl." Parton’s husband, Carl Dean, died March 3, 2025, at 82.