Dolly Parton’s Cause of Death Revealed After Secret Cancer Battle at 80

Country music icon Dolly Parton spent her final days quietly battling cancer, according to a statement from her representatives following her death at age 80 on Aug. 25.

Her representatives confirmed to Page Six that Parton died at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, surrounded by loved ones, after what they described as a “brief battle with cancer.” They did not disclose the type of cancer she had been diagnosed with.

In a statement mourning the beloved singer, her representatives highlighted the extraordinary legacy she leaves behind — not only through her music, but also through decades of philanthropy.

“Dolly Parton spent her life and career bringing joy, laughter, hope and integrity into everything she touched,” her representatives said, noting that her generosity reached countless people around the world.

Her charitable work included the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, which has distributed hundreds of millions of books to children, as well as financial support for medical research that contributed to the development of a lifesaving vaccine.

The news of her cancer diagnosis came amid a series of health concerns that emerged during the final weeks of her life.

Parton had been hospitalized at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville five days before her death, reportedly because of kidney and autoimmune issues. Just days earlier, she had canceled an appearance at Dollywood after doctors advised her not to travel because of ongoing health problems.

In a prerecorded video announcing the cancellation, Parton explained that she had sometimes been experiencing dizziness and dehydration and said her Nashville doctor had effectively told her she could not travel that week.

Yet shortly before her death, Parton still appeared to be in good spirits.

On Aug. 19, she made what would become her final public appearance, virtually accepting the ACM Poet’s Award during the ACM Honors. Speaking from home, she reflected on her lifelong connection to songwriting and said it had always been the most important part of her creative identity.

She also spoke candidly about her health in what became her final interview with People, published Aug. 21.

Parton revealed that she had been dealing with health issues she had previously neglected while caring for her husband, Carl Dean, who died at 82 in March 2025.

“It’s not like I haven’t been through hard times with my health,” she said.

Her death came less than 18 months after Dean’s passing, marking another deeply emotional chapter for the country legend and her family.

Parton’s nephew and longtime head of security, Bryan Seaver, announced her death in an emotional video. He revealed that his aunt had asked him years earlier to make the announcement when the time came.

Seaver also shared one of Parton’s final wishes: that she be laid to rest “in a beautiful bed of plush cotton.”

“After a life wearing heavy rhinestones, she finally deserves to be comfortable,” he said.

The singer’s death prompted an immediate outpouring of tributes from friends, collaborators and fellow stars. Her Steel Magnolias co-stars Julia Roberts and Sally Field were among those mourning her, while longtime “9 to 5” co-star Lily Tomlin also paid tribute.

Roberts described Parton as a “magical and joyous human,” adding that knowing her was a treasure in her life.

After seven decades in the spotlight, Dolly Parton leaves behind a legacy that extends far beyond country music — one built on songs, generosity, humor and an unmistakable ability to connect with generations of fans.