Dolly Parton’s Cause of Death Revealed After Brief Cancer Battle
Dolly Parton died at age 80 after a brief battle with cancer, according to a statement from her publicist, Marcel Pariseau.
Parton’s death was first announced on her Instagram account in a video shared by her nephew, Brian Seaver, on behalf of the Parton family. The announcement brought news of the loss of one of country music’s most recognizable stars.
“My name is Brian Seaver, son of Cassie Parton, and I’m representing the Parton and Owens family today, announcing the passing of my aunt, Dolly Rebecca Parton Dean, Sister, Sis, and Granny to one generation and Gigi to the next,” Seaver said.
Pariseau later provided additional details about the singer’s final days. He said Parton had been receiving care at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center and was surrounded by loved ones.
“After bravely facing a brief battle with cancer, Dolly departed her Earthly life today at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center surrounded by loved ones,” Pariseau said in statement.
Before her death, Parton had reportedly been dealing with other health problems, including kidney stones and related infections. Those issues came after the March 2025 death of her husband, Carl Thomas Dean, who was 82.
Parton was born on January 19, 1946, in a one-room cabin in the Great Smoky Mountains community of Pittman Center, Tennessee. She was the fourth of 12 children raised in a poor farming family.
Her career began early. As a child, she performed on local radio and television. After graduating from high school, she moved to Nashville the next day to chase a career in music.
During the 1970s, Parton became one of country music’s biggest stars. Her best-known songs included “Jolene,” “Coat of Many Colors,” and “I Will Always Love You.” She also found success on screen, appearing in The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas and Steel Magnolias.
Over a career spanning decades, Parton released dozens of albums, sold more than 100 million records, and collected major honors. Her awards included multiple Grammys, along with inductions into both the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Her influence also reached far beyond music. Parton’s Imagination Library has distributed millions of free books to children. She also created a major business empire that includes the Dollywood theme park.