Dolly Parton, the country music icon, philanthropist and East Tennessee native, died Aug. 25, according to an official statement. The "I Will Always Love You" singer was 80 years old.
The announcement was shared Aug. 25 via her social media accounts in a video from her nephew, Bryan Seaver, on behalf of the Parton family.
"Dolly has lived in the light and is in the arms of Jesus, surely met by Carl, her parents, and countless others who have watched her and longed for her to meet them in the heavens," said Seaver, who also worked as her head of security for two decades.
"Dolly called me and said she wants to rest in a beautiful bed of plush cotton because after a life wearing heavy rhinestones, she finally deserves to be comfortable and have some
rest," he continued, "Rest in peace, Aunt Dolly."
Parton is preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Carl Thomas Dean, her mother Avie Lee Caroline Owens, and father, Robert Lee Parton, Sr.
While an official cause of death has not been announced, Parton had faced a series of health concerns in recent months, which prevented her from attending an announcement about Dollywood's newest ride in September and later led to the delay of her planned Las Vegas residency until 2026, the Knoxville News Sentinel reported.
Here's what to know about the country legend's health struggles in recent months.
Dolly Parton's death comes after months of health concerns
In recent months, Parton faced a series of health concerns that affected her public appearances and professional commitments.
In September of 2025, the country music icon was unable to attend the announcement of Dollywood's newest attraction because of ongoing health issues. Later that month, those same concerns prompted the postponement of her planned Las Vegas residency until 2026.
The country superstar announced the health update with her beloved trademark wit.
"As many of you know, I have been dealing with some health challenges, and my doctors tell me that I must have a few procedures," Parton said in a statementto social media. "As I joked with them, it must be time for my 100,000-mile check up, although it's not my usual trip to see my plastic surgeon!"
The health challenges fueled speculation about Parton's condition and even rumors of her death, which she addressed the only way she knew how: with humor and a smile.
In an Oct. 8, 2025, videocaptioned, "I ain't dead yet!" Parton assured fans she was in good health and continuing to work on various projects.
"I know that lately everybody thinks that I am sicker than I am, do I look sick to you? I'm working hard here!" she said. "I want you to know that I'm okay. I've got some problems as I mentioned. Back when my husband Carl was very sick, I was for a long time and when he passed, I didn't take care of myself so I let a lot of things go that I should've been taking care of."
Parton added that her doctors had told her it was nothing major at the time, although the cancelations were necessary so she could remain closer to home and her physicians.
"I'm not ready to die yet," she continued. "I don't think God is through with me and I ain't done working."
What were Dolly Parton's health concerns?
Earlier this year, Parton was able to welcome fans to Dollywood's newest attraction, just not in person. Instead, she appeared via video.
In August 2026, appearing in the video with colorful butterfly wings fluttering behind her, Parton explained why she could not attend the NightFlight debut.
"My little butterfly wings are getting tired. Now, 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.
"Now, I'm dehydrated. And so my personal doctor has kind of clipped my wings saying, 'You ain't traveling this week.'" She added that "all is going well on the medical end of things," and said she was working on other projects.
In May, Parton shared an update on her health via a video posted on her social media accounts. She revealed that her immune and digestive systems have been "out of whack" for several years and that she's long had problems with kidney stones, but said she was responding well to treatment, just not soon enough to return to the stage yet.
Parton family requests private service, asks fans to honor Parton online
According to an official statement, a small, private service will be held for immediate family at Parton's request.
"Dolly’s fans and friends from around the world are encouraged to pay tribute to Dolly on social media by tagging @DollyParton or by leaving a message at dollyparton.com.”
The family has also asked in lieu of flowers, people can “make donations to the Imagination Library at imaginationlibrary.com.” Details about public gatherings haven't been released.
Contributing: Knoxville News Sentinel
Diana Leyva covers trending news and service journalism for The Tennessean. Contact her at Dleyva@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Dolly Parton's death follows months of health concerns. What to know
