Country music icon Dolly Parton died “surrounded by loved ones” following a brief battle with cancer, a representative confirmed. The type of cancer was not disclosed.
“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,” Parton’s representative, Marcel Pariseau, said in a statement.
“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 her passing Tuesday in a video posted on the singer’s Facebook and Instagram accounts.
“I am representing the Parton and Owens family today, announcing the passing of my aunt, Dolly Rebecca Parton Dean, sister, sis, aunt, Granny to one generation and Gigi to the next,” he said. “This video announcement is something Dolly asked of me years ago before I fully absorbed it as a future reality. As her head of security for more than two decades, a role my father Larry held before me, I have imagined the heaviness of this moment but haven’t truly felt it until now.”
The 11-time Grammy winner had been dealing with health issues over the past year, prompting her to cancel her Las Vegas residency and skip appearances at Dollywood. In May, she updated fans, saying she had “good news and a little bad news.” While she didn’t reveal her illness, she said she’s had problems with her immune and digestive systems “over the past couple of years.” She also mentioned she “always had problems” with kidney stones.
“At Dolly’s request, a small, private service will be held for immediate family. Dolly’s fans and friends from around the world are encouraged to pay tribute to Dolly on social media by tagging @DollyParton or by leaving a message at www.dollyparton.com,” her team said. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library at www.imaginationlibrary.com. Parton is survived by her many nieces and nephews.
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