Dolly Parton's Family Confirm Singer Died After 'Brief Battle With Cancer'

Dolly Parton’s estate has said that she had been undergoing treatment for cancer shortly before she died.

Last year, the country music superstar shared that she had been facing some private “health challenges”, but chose not to disclose the specifics while she was alive.

On Tuesday night, following the news of her death at the age of 80, her family said in a statement to People magazine: “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 also 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. 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.”

Earlier this month, Dolly had been due to appear at an event at her theme park, Dollywood, but instead recorded a video message, explaining that she’d been advised by her doctors not to attend in person.

“I’ve told you before, all my fans, that I’ve had a few little health issues and sometimes I get a little dizzy and I get dehydrated. And I’m dehydrated! So my Nashville doctor has kind of clipped my wings, saying, ‘You ain’t traveling this week’,” she told those in attendance, referring to the butterfly wings she was sporting in the video message.

Prior to that, she said she’d been “dealing with some health issues” that she “just didn’t pay attention to when I was watching over” her late husband, Carl Dean, who died in 2025.

Following the news of Dolly’s death, a number of her famous friends and legendary former collaborators have been paying their respects in beautiful tributes.