Dolly Parton cause of death: Country icon faced 'brief battle with cancer'

Dolly Parton privately battled cancer before her death at age 80.

In a statement to People magazine, representatives revealed that the Queen of Country passed away after a “brief battle with cancer,” although no further details, such as the type of cancer or when she was diagnosed, were revealed.

“After bravely facing a brief battle with cancer, Dolly departed her Earthly life today at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center surrounded by loved ones,” the statement read.

Per TMZ, the Jolene hitmaker was admitted to the Center in Nashville on Friday, August 21, for kidney and autoimmune issues.

Parton passed away just four days later on Tuesday, August 25. Her death was announced by her nephew, Bryan Seaver, in a video posted to her official Instagram page. Seaver, who served as Parton’s head of security for over two decades, was tasked with the announcement years prior.

“It is an honour, an honour that is mixed with absolute pride and great sadness,” Seaver said. “But sadness lies with us, not with Dolly. Dolly has lived in the light and is in the arms of Jesus, surely met by [her husband Carl Dean], her parents, and countless others who have watched her and longed to meet her in heaven.”

In her last interview with People on August 21, Parton admitted she allowed her health to decline following the death of her husband in March 2025.

Since then, she had been forced to cancel multiple public appearances and scheduled performances, including her Las Vegas residency. After missing the opening of the new Dollywood Nightflight Expedition earlier this month, Parton revealed doctors had advised her against travelling.

She kept fans updated about her health, although she never revealed specific details.