Dolly PartonThe music world has been in shock since the news of country icon Dolly Parton’s passing was announced in the early hours of Wednesday morning (26 August), Australian time.
On Tuesday, 25 August, the Jolene hitmaker died at the age of 80. At the time of initial reports landing this morning, no cause of death was revealed.
Since then, representatives for Parton have issued statements to multiple outlets, including PEOPLE, to confirm that she died following “a brief battle with cancer.” The type of cancer was not disclosed.
The statement from her representatives read:
Our beloved Dolly Parton spent her life and career bringing joy, laughter, hope and integrity into everything she touched. Her unmatched generosity reached the lives of countless people whom she would never meet, yet she was always there to offer a helping hand.
Whether it be the hundreds of millions of books donated through her invaluable Imagination Library or funding research that helped create a lifesaving vaccine used around the world, Dolly’s unconditional love for all people was the guiding force for her lasting impact.
After bravely facing a brief battle with cancer, Dolly departed her Earthly life today at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center surrounded by loved ones.
Parton’s nephew, Bryan Seaver, announced the news of her passing in an Instagram video on the singer’s account, which reaches over nine million followers. An additional post honouring Parton and her legacy was posted afterwards.
Parton was admitted to the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Centre in Nashville last Friday (21 August) and passed away there on Tuesday. Before her passing, Parton was reportedly dealing with kidney and autoimmune issues.
Last October, Parton announced the cancellation of her December Las Vegas residency because of ongoing health issues.
At the time, she told fans, “As many of you know, I have been dealing with some health challenges, and my doctors tell me that I must have a few procedures.
“As I joked with them, it must be time for my 100,000-mile check-up, although it’s not the usual trip to see my plastic surgeon!” she quipped.
In a follow-up video, she added, “I wanted to say, I know lately everybody thinks that I am sicker than I am.” The clip was captioned ‘I ain’t dead yet!’
She continued, “Anyway, I wanted to put everybody’s mind at ease – those of you that seem to be real concerned, which I appreciate, and I appreciate your prayers because I’m a person of faith.”
Parton’s family have said a private funeral will be held for the late icon in due course, though there is currently no word on whether a public memorial will take place.
“Dolly called me and said she wants to rest in a beautiful bed of plush cotton because after a life wearing heavy rhinestones, she finally deserves to be comfortable and have some rest,” Seaver concluded in his statement.
“Rest in peace, Aunt Dolly, and Granny, Gigi. May God bless Dolly Parton, and may God bless you all. She will always love you.”
