Dolly Parton’s Cause of Death Revealed at 80

Dolly Parton’s cause of death has been revealed following the country music legend’s death at the age of 80.

Parton died on Tuesday, Aug. 25, after being hospitalized at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee. Her death certificate lists her immediate cause of death as cardiac arrest, according to Page Six.

The document also identified acute kidney failure as a contributing condition. It stated that Parton had experienced kidney failure for approximately three weeks.

Parton’s health had declined in the months before her death

The revelation follows several public updates about Parton’s health over the past year.

In September 2025, she canceled an appearance at Dollywood after developing an infection. Later that month, she postponed her Las Vegas residency while undergoing a few medical procedures. The residency was ultimately canceled in May.

Parton had also been open about struggling with health issues while dealing with the loss of her husband, Carl Dean, who died at 82 in March 2025.

In a recent interview with People, Parton explained that she had spent much of her attention caring for Dean and had not given enough attention to her own health.

Despite those setbacks, she repeatedly reassured fans that she was doing OK and that doctors had told her the conditions she was dealing with could be treated.

Her final public appearance

Parton’s last public appearance came in late June at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for Dolly’s Tennessean Travel Stop.

She had been expected to return to Dollywood for an appearance on Aug. 14, but a doctor advised her not to make the trip.

Shortly afterward, Parton was hospitalized in Nashville. She died five days later, with acute kidney failure listed as a contributing factor to her cardiac arrest.

Her family prepares for a private farewell

Parton’s nephew and longtime head of security, Bryan Seaver, announced her death in an emotional video.

He said Parton had asked him years earlier to make the announcement when the time came. Seaver described the responsibility as an honor while expressing his deep sadness at losing his aunt.

Parton’s family plans to hold a small, private funeral in Nashville in the coming days, according to her representatives.

She will be buried beside her late husband at Woodlawn Memorial Park and Mausoleum.

Parton had also made a personal request regarding her final resting arrangements. According to Seaver, she wanted to be laid to rest in a beautiful bed of plush cotton — a fittingly simple wish after a lifetime associated with elaborate costumes and rhinestones.

A legacy that reaches far beyond music

Parton leaves behind a career spanning more than seven decades, during which she became one of country music’s most influential singers and songwriters.

Her impact extended well beyond the stage. Through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, which she founded in 1995, more than 318 million books have been donated to children around the world.

Parton and Dean were married in 1966 and did not have children together.

She is survived by six of her 11 siblings: Willadeene, Robert Lee, Stella, Cassie, Freida and Rachel.

While her family prepares for a private goodbye, Parton’s music, philanthropy and enduring influence will remain central to the legacy she leaves behind.