Dolly Parton’s Cause of Death Revealed Hours After Country Music Legend Dies at 80

Dolly Parton died on Tuesday, August 25, at the age of 80, bringing an extraordinary career in country music and entertainment to a close. Hours after her family announced the news, representatives for the singer confirmed that she had died following a brief battle with cancer.

No additional details about her illness were disclosed, including the type of cancer.

According to a statement provided to PEOPLE, Parton died at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville with loved ones by her side.

Dolly Parton’s team confirms she had been battling cancer

Parton’s representatives paid tribute to a woman whose influence stretched far beyond the music that made her famous.

“Our beloved Dolly Parton spent her life and career bringing joy, laughter, hope and integrity into everything she touched,” the statement read.

Her team also highlighted Parton’s extensive charitable work, including the hundreds of millions of books distributed through her Imagination Library and her support for research that contributed to the development of a lifesaving vaccine.

“Dolly’s unconditional love for all people was the guiding force for her lasting impact,” the statement continued.

Her representatives then confirmed that Parton had been facing cancer for a short period before her death.

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

PEOPLE reported that the “Jolene” singer was admitted to the Nashville cancer center on Friday, August 21. She died there four days later on August 25.

Dolly Parton’s nephew announced her death on behalf of the family

Parton’s death was initially announced Tuesday afternoon through a video message delivered by her nephew Bryan Seaver, the son of her sister Cassie.

Seaver, who served as head of his aunt’s security, spoke on behalf of the Parton and Owens families.

“I am representing the Parton and Owens family today, announcing the passing of my aunt Dolly Rebecca Parton Dean,” he said.

Seaver acknowledged the difficulty of delivering the announcement, describing the moment as one filled with both enormous pride and sadness.

“I have imagined the heaviness of this moment, but haven’t truly felt it until now,” he said. “It is an honor. An honor that is mixed with absolute pride and great sadness. But sadness lies with us, not with Dolly.”

He added that the family believed Parton was now “in the arms of Jesus” and reunited with her late husband Carl, her parents and other loved ones who died before her.

Dolly Parton requested a private funeral

Following the family’s initial announcement, Parton’s team also shared details about her wishes for her final farewell.

Rather than a large public ceremony, the country music icon had requested a small and private family service.

Her team confirmed that those wishes will be honored, with Parton set to be laid to rest in an intimate ceremony attended by family.

The announcement closes the final chapter of the life of one of country music’s most recognizable figures, while her family’s statements emphasized the wider legacy she leaves behind — not only through her songs and entertainment career, but through decades of philanthropy and support for others.