Dolly Parton has died. The cause of the star’s death has been revealed

Dolly Parton has died. The country music legend was 80 years old

The news of Dolly Parton’s death has shocked fans around the world. One of the most recognisable stars in the history of country music died on Tuesday, 25 August 2026, in Nashville, Tennessee. She was 80.

The singer’s family announced her death. The news was shared by, amongst others, the artist’s nephew, Bryan Seaver, who had also served as her head of security for many years. The Associated Press reported, citing the star’s spokesperson, that she passed away at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Centre, surrounded by her loved ones.

Parton’s death has caused a huge stir, not only in the world of music. Over a career spanning nearly six decades, she achieved the status of an icon of American culture and was one of the world’s most famous country singers.

What did Dolly Parton die of? Cause of death revealed

The artist’s representatives confirmed that Dolly Parton died after a short battle with cancer. However, the exact type of cancer she was suffering from has not been disclosed. According to information provided to *People* magazine, the artist was admitted to the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Centre on 21 August and passed away four days later.

Reuters points out that the family’s initial statement did not directly specify the cause of death, whilst the star’s representatives later revealed that she had been battling cancer for a short time.

Dolly Parton had previously spoken of health issues

The singer’s health problems were not a complete secret. She had previously indicated that she needed to take better care of herself and undergo treatment. In March 2026, during the opening of the new season at Dollywood, she admitted that she was still struggling with certain ailments and needed time to regain her full strength.

According to information reported by *People*, the artist had also been suffering from kidney and immune system problems prior to her death. However, this does not mean that they were the direct cause of her death — Dolly Parton’s representatives officially cited cancer as the cause.

The singer’s final request. Loved ones reveal moving details

Following the artist’s death, fans’ attention was also drawn to the words of Bryan Seaver. Dolly Parton’s nephew revealed that the star had previously spoken to him about how she would like to be laid to rest.

Parton is said to have asked for a resting place to be prepared for her, resembling a comfortable, soft bed lined with cotton. The star is said to have jokingly alluded to her famous love of heavy, glittering outfits and rhinestones.

This is a particularly symbolic detail for Dolly Parton’s fans. For decades, the singer has been associated with a cascade of blonde hair, striking make-up, sequins, crystals and incredibly eye-catching stage outfits.

Her nephew announced the news of her death

Bryan Seaver also revealed that Dolly Parton had asked him many years earlier to be the one to inform the world of her death when the time came.

Seaver’s connection to the star went beyond family ties. For over two decades, he was also responsible for her safety. Following his aunt’s death, he posted a video in which he shared the news with fans and paid tribute to her unique personality.

Dolly Parton’s funeral. The family has a special request for fans

According to information provided by her loved ones, Dolly Parton’s funeral is to be a private affair. The final farewell is to be attended primarily by family and the artist’s closest friends.

Her loved ones have also asked fans to honour the star’s memory by supporting the Imagination Library organisation, rather than buying flowers.

The foundation, which promotes reading amongst young children, was one of the artist’s most important charitable projects. Over the years, the programme has sent free books to millions of children. Philanthropy remained one of the key elements of the star’s public life.

Who was Dolly Parton? Almost the whole world knows ‘Jolene’

Dolly Rebecca Parton was born on 19 January 1946 in Tennessee. She grew up as one of twelve children in a modest family and had been interested in music from a very young age.

Even as a teenager, she performed at the legendary Grand Ole Opry. After finishing school, she moved to Nashville and embarked on a career that would ultimately make her one of the most important figures in the history of country music.

Her greatest hits include, above all, ‘Jolene’ and ‘I Will Always Love You’, which was the singer’s farewell to Porter Wagoner. Many years later, the song achieved enormous popularity thanks to Whitney Houston’s rendition, which was featured in the film *The Bodyguard*.

The artist has won 11 Grammy Awards

Her body of work included thousands of compositions and dozens of albums. Dolly Parton won 11 Grammy Awards, including a Lifetime Achievement Award, and her recordings have sold over 100 million copies worldwide.

However, her career was not limited to music. Dolly Parton was also an actress, producer, writer, businesswoman and philanthropist.

She appeared, amongst other roles, in the film *9 to 5*, and her performance of the title song earned her an Oscar nomination. She also starred in films such as *Steel Magnolias*.

Dolly Parton and Carl Dean. They were together for almost 60 years

The final years of the star’s life were also marked by personal loss. Her husband, Carl Dean, died in March 2025. The couple had been married for nearly six decades.

For most of their life together, Dean shunned the limelight whilst his wife built an international career. Dolly Parton, however, repeatedly emphasised that her husband had been a tremendous source of support to her.

Following his death, the singer spoke openly about her grief and the emotional impact this loss had on her life.