New details have emerged about the final days of country music legend Dolly Parton following her death at 80.

Parton’s passing was announced Tuesday, Aug. 25, by her nephew Bryan Seaver. The beloved singer, songwriter and actress died at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville, where she was surrounded by family and other loved ones.

Dolly Parton’s cause of death revealed

According to a statement from Parton’s representatives to TMZ, the country icon died after a brief battle with cancer.

Her representatives said she spent her life bringing “joy, laughter, hope and integrity” to everything she did. They also highlighted her lifelong generosity, including her work through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and her support for medical research.

They added that Parton’s unconditional love for other people was at the heart of the lasting legacy she leaves behind.

Her death came as a shock to many of her loved ones. Although family and friends knew she had been dealing with health problems, reports said they still believed she would recover.

Parton had been hospitalized in Nashville for four days before her death after experiencing several health problems in recent months.

Dolly Parton’s final days

Seaver shared the heartbreaking news in an Instagram video on Tuesday. He explained that Parton had asked him years earlier to make the announcement when the time came.

“My name is Bryan 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.

Seaver, who had served as Parton’s head of security for more than two decades after his father, Larry, held the role, said making the announcement was an honor mixed with “absolute pride and great sadness.”

He also reflected on the enormous influence his aunt had on generations of musicians, songwriters and dreamers around the world.

Parton had even shared a personal request with Seaver about her final resting place. She wanted to be laid to rest in a “beautiful bed of plush cotton,” explaining that after a lifetime of wearing heavy rhinestones, she deserved to be comfortable and finally get some rest.

Dolly Parton’s funeral plans

Parton’s family will honor her wishes with a small, private service for immediate family.

Rather than sending flowers, her representatives are asking fans to support the Imagination Library, the literacy program Parton founded to provide free books to children.

Fans around the world have also been encouraged to remember the country icon by sharing tributes on social media or leaving messages through her official website.

Dolly Parton’s health struggles before her death

Parton had been open about dealing with health problems in the months before she died.

In August, she told People that she had been dealing with health issues that she had previously neglected while caring for her husband, Carl Dean, who died in March 2025 at 82.

She had also missed appearances at Dollywood because of health concerns. In one recent update, Parton said she had experienced dizziness and dehydration and that her Nashville doctor advised her not to travel.

The singer had also dealt with kidney stones and an infection in 2025. Her Las Vegas residency was eventually postponed and later canceled as she focused on her health.

Despite those challenges, Parton continued reassuring fans that she was receiving treatment and working to recover.

Dolly Parton leaves behind a lasting legacy

Parton began her recording career with her 1967 debut album Hello, I’m Dolly and went on to become one of the most successful and influential artists in country music.

Her career produced timeless hits including Jolene, 9 to 5 and I Will Always Love You. She also became a successful actress, businesswoman and philanthropist, reaching audiences far beyond country music.

Her Imagination Library became one of her most important charitable efforts, providing millions of free books to children. Her support for medical research and other causes further strengthened her reputation as an entertainer who used her success to help others.

Parton’s death marks the end of an extraordinary career that lasted more than six decades. She leaves behind not only a huge catalog of music, but also a legacy of generosity, kindness and inspiration that touched generations of fans around the world.