Update: In a statement to TMZ released on Tuesday night, Dolly’s reps confirmed that Dolly’s cause of death was cancer. The music legend had a “brief battle” with an undisclosed type of cancer, and died at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville, surrounded by loved ones.
Although this is not reality TV news, The Ashley is devastated to report that one of her idols, Dolly Parton, has died at the age of 80.
On Tuesday, Dolly’s nephew Brian Seaver (who is the son of Dolly’s sister Cassie) announced the horrible news in a video message posted to Instagram.
“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,” he said.
“Sister, Sis and Granny to one generation and Gigi to the next,” Brian continued. “This video announcement is something Dolly asked of me years ago, before I fully absorbed it as a future reality. As her head of security for more than two decades, a role my father Larry held before me, I have imagined the heaviness of this moment but haven’t truly felt it until now.”
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“It is an honor, an honor that is mixed with absolute pride and great sadness. But sadness lies with us, not with Dolly. 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 to meet her in the heavens.”
(As fans know, Dolly’s beloved husband Carl Dean passed away in March 2025 after a long illness.)
In recent months, Dolly had acknowledged that she was experiencing health issues. Just last week, she told fans that she had been dealing with health issues that she “didn’t pay attention to” while she was caring for Carl. However, she assured fans that she was “still healin” and “still workin” despite the health problems.
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“You know me — as I’ve often said — I’ve dreamed myself into a corner and I still have so many things I want to achieve, so I’m gonna keep on working as long as I can to see everything come to life,” she said.
Dolly was noticeably absent for the opening of a new attraction at her Tennessee theme park, Dollywood, earlier this month. She appeared via a prerecorded video, explaining that her doctor had advised her not to travel due to her being dehydrated and dizzy.
However, she had mentioned having immune system and digestive issues in recent times.
UPDATE: According to TMZ, Dolly had been hospitalized since Friday. She was admitted into Nashville’s Vanderbilt University Medical Center with kidney and autoimmune issues. She passed away Tuesday morning in the hospital.
The site reports that Dolly’s death “came as a sudden and unexpected shock to those closest to her…we’re told they did not expect she would die during this hospital stay, believing she would recover and be released as she had following past health setbacks.”
A second post to Dolly’s official Instagram account paid tribute to her legacy.
“Global icon and humanitarian, Dolly Parton, known to the world as a beloved singer, songwriter, philanthropist, actress, playwright, and author died peacefully today in Nashville, Tennessee. She was 80 years old,” the post reads. “Dolly is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 59 years Carl Thomas Dean (1942 – 2025), her mother Avie Lee Caroline Owens (1923 – 2003), and father, Robert Lee Parton, Sr. (1921 – 2000).
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“A rhinestone life that shone bright enough for the world to see, Dolly will forever stand as an inspiration not only through her timeless music and prolific songwriting, but also her wit, warmth, and kindness that made us all feel like family. Dolly Parton’s legacy is one of love, compassion, and resilience. With a seven-decade career, she inspired multiple generations of artists and fans with her music and an unwavering commitment to making the world a better place. Her songs will continue to resonate with people of all ages, and her philanthropic work will have a lasting impact.”
The post states that Dolly’s service will be private and for immediate family only. (This was Dolly’s request.)
Dolly’s family asks that fans make donations to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in lieu of flowers.
Rest in peace, Dolly. You will be missed by so many…
(Photos: Instagram)
So sad to lose Dolly.. May she rest in peace
Absolutely gutted – feels like we all lost our favorite family member
This one broke my heart. I found out she died because I looked up the news trying to find out why all the flags in Memphis were suddenly at half-mast. I was devastated to learn it was for Dolly.
Absolutely devastating! Dolly was an angel on earth! Beautiful person, inside and out.
Beautiful person, inside and out. Rest easy, dear Dolly. ❤️
Dolly was a gift to the world in every way. It’s selfishly hard to lose such a beacon of light in this dark time.
She was a magnificent song writer, singer and woman. May we all strive to be a good person like Dolly. RIP with the love of your life ❤️.
NOOOOOO!😭😭