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Dolly Parton‘s spokesperson revealed that the singer died following a “brief battle with cancer.”
“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,” a spokesperson for the late singer said in a statement to People on Tuesday, August 25. “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.
The statement continued, “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 type of cancer was not disclosed.
Parton’s death was confirmed earlier on Tuesday after months of undisclosed health issues. She was 80.
“A rhinestone life that shone bright enough for the world to see, Dolly will forever stand as an inspiration not only through her timeless music and prolific songwriting, but also her wit, warmth, and kindness that made us all feel like family,” read a separate statement from her rep. “Dolly Parton’s legacy is one of love, compassion, and resilience. With a seven-decade career, she inspired multiple generations of artists and fans with her music and an unwavering commitment to making the world a better place. Her songs will continue to resonate with people of all ages, and her philanthropic work will have a lasting impact.”
Before her death, Parton announced in May that she needed to postpone her Las Vegas residency amid health concerns. The country icon revealed that she was “responding really well to meds and treatment.”
Parton went on to recall how she previously overcame other conditions.
“It’s not like I haven’t been through hard times with my health,” she told People at the time. “But I think because we live in a 24/7 world with social media, everything gets magnified in ways it wasn’t years ago. I used to joke that I was the Queen of the Tabloids, but now I guess I can say I’m the Queen of Social Media AI! Seriously, though, even though I’m still healin’, I’m still workin’.”
Parton assured fans that her health was improving.
“It’s gonna take me a little while before I’m up to stage performance level because some of the meds and treatments make me a little bit swimmy-headed, as my grandma used to say,” she said. “And of course, I can’t be dizzy carrying around banjos, guitars and such on five-inch heels.”
Parton promised to return to the stage “better than ever,” adding, “When they raised the hood on this old antique, they realized that I need to rebuild my engine and that my transmission is slipping, my oil pan is leaking, my muffler is busted and my shocks and pistons need to be replaced, and for sure, my spark plugs need to be changed.”
“My immune system and my digestive system got all out of whack over the past couple three years, and they’re working real hard on rebuilding and strengthening those and hopefully I’ll be up to snuff again soon,” she quipped.
Earlier this month, Parton missed a scheduled appearance at the opening of a new roller-coaster at her Dollywood theme park.
“I’m supposed to be there in person, like we planned,” she said in a video message shared with attendees at the event held on Friday, August 13. “Now I’ve told you before, all my fans, that I have had a few little health issues. And sometimes I get a little dizzy, and I get dehydrated.”
Parton continued: “I’m dehydrated, so my Nashville doctor clipped my wings, saying you ain’t traveling this week. I guess if your doctor tells you you ain’t traveling this week, you ain’t traveling this week.”
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