Dolly Parton Dies at 80 After Brief Battle With Cancer

Dolly Parton, the beloved “Queen of Country” and music legend, died at 80 after a brief fight with cancer leaving behind a lasting legacy in country music. The news of her passing was confirmed by her nephew and longtime head of security, Bryan Seaver, by posted a heartbreaking video in an Instagram video on Tuesday, August 25

The icon of country music deceased at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville, with her alongside with her love ones. Representatives confirmed that Parton had been fighting cancer, but the type of cancer was not revealed.

In his emotional announcement, Seaver said the news was something Parton had asked him to deliver years ago. He explained her passing deeply painful for the family, adding that Parton had “lived in the light” and was now reunited with her husband, Carl Dean, who passed away in March 2025.

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Her health struggles had kept Parton away from some public presences and performances in recent months, following doctors’ advice to avoid traveling. Even as she faced health challenges Parton kept a positive spirit in her final public messages, reassuring fans that she was continuing to work.

In her final public messages, she remained positive and reassured fans that she was continuing to work despite her health problems.

Parton’s last Interview with PEOPLE also unveiled about she had neglected her own health while caring for Dean during his illness.

With a career crossing over 60 years, Parton leaves behind a lasting musical legacy presenting knockouts such as “Jolene,” “9 to 5,” and “I Will Always Love You.” She was also eminent for her generosity, particularly through her Imagination Library, which has provided hundreds of millions of books to children.

Following Dolly Parton’s death, has prompted an outpouring of tributes from celebrities including Taylor Swift, Beyoncé and Eminem, praised her lasting contribution to music, culture, her generosity and influence.