Dolly Parton’s Team Confirms She Died After Battle with Cancer

The music icon's death was first revealed by her nephew, Bryan Seaver, in an emotional video shared across her socials. Parton had spoken openly about ongoing kidney and autoimmune issues in the months leading up to her passing.

Dolly Parton has died following a brief battle with cancer, her team has confirmed. News of the beloved country star's passing broke on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, when her nephew, Bryan Seaver, posted a video announcement across her social media accounts.

Dolly Parton attends the 51st Academy of Country Music Awards at MGM Grand Garden Arena on April 3, 2016 in Las Vegas, Nevada. | Source: Getty Images

Just hours later, her team issued a follow-up statement to People, confirming that the "9 to 5" singer died at 80 after a "brief battle with cancer." The specific 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," the statement read.

Dolly Parton performs during "Dolly: An Original Musical" fireside chat and press conference at The Fisher Center for the Performing Arts on January 28, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee. | Source: Getty Images

It continued, "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," the statement concluded.

Dolly Parton, circa 1970 | Source: Getty Images

Parton had been admitted to the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville on Friday, August 21, and passed away four days later. Throughout the past year, she had shared health updates revealing she was dealing with kidney and autoimmune issues prior to her death.

That same Friday, before she was admitted, Parton acknowledged her declining health. "As I've shared in video messages throughout the past year, I am dealing with some health issues that I just didn't pay attention to when I was watching over [my husband] Carl," she said.

"Even though I'm still healin', I'm still workin'! You know me — as I've often said — I've dreamed myself into a corner and I still have so many things I want to achieve, so I'm gonna keep on working as long as I can to see everything come to life," she declared.