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Dolly Parton’s reps have revealed her cause of death. The iconic singer died after a “brief battle” with cancer at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville, her reps said Tuesday.
“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 from her reps to People magazine read.
“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.
The beloved country singer, who was 80, had been experiencing dizziness and dehydration the week before when she was unable to make an appearance at her Dollywood theme park. She appeared on video instead to introduce the park’s new Nightflight Expedition roller coaster. A year earlier, she canceled a six-show residency in Las Vegas, saying she was “dealing with some health challenges,” then 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.”
“I am dealing with some health issues that I just didn’t pay attention to when I was watching over Carl,” she said just days before she died. Parton’s husband, Carl Dean, died March 3, 2025, at 82.
Despite her recent health issues, Parton was busy in the past year, making plans for a new Nashville museum and hotel and working on deals to endorse Purina dog treats and launch her Cup of Ambition coffee brand. The musical based on her life, “Dolly, A True Original Musical,” will open on Broadway on Jan. 19, 2027, which would have been her 81st birthday.
