Cause of death revealed for Dolly Parton, the country icon who died at 80
After country legend Dolly Parton’s death at 80, attention has zeroed in on her final chapter—and what it might reveal.
She spent her final hours at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville, with family at her side, according to a statement from Dolly Parton’s representatives released to People. The reps said she had been facing cancer for only a short period before her condition worsened.
“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 news was shared Tuesday in an emotional video posted by her nephew on her official social accounts. Parton was 80.
People also reported she’d been dealing with health issues for more than a year. She had previously said her immune and digestive systems had fallen out of balance, which she linked to the strain of caring for her husband, Carl Dean, before his death in March 2025. Days before she died, she canceled a planned Dollywood appearance, citing severe dehydration and dizziness that made travel impossible.
Even late in life, she kept new projects moving: a planned Nashville museum, a coffee line dubbed Cup of Ambition , and a Broadway musical built around her story were all in the works, according to the report.
Where to watch her onscreen
For fans revisiting her screen work, several recent titles capture her voice, humor and heart — most of them streaming in one place.
- Dolly Parton’s Heartstrings (2019) — An eight-episode anthology turning her songs into short dramas; with Kimberly Williams-Paisley and Julianne Hough, plus Parton popping in. Streaming on Netflix .
- Christmas on the Square (2020) — A holiday musical with Parton as an angel nudging Christine Baranski’s character toward compassion. On Netflix.
- Dolly Parton: A MusiCares Tribute (2021) — A star-packed salute featuring Miley Cyrus, Chris Stapleton and Willie Nelson performing her catalog. On Netflix.
- Dumplin’ (2018) — A dramedy steeped in her music, with new Parton originals underscoring a story about acceptance and family. On Netflix.
- Grace and Frankie finale ( 2022) — A brief, winking cameo that reunited her with Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin. On Netflix.
All of the above are available on Netflix in the U.S.