Dolly Parton‘s cause of death has been confirmed. Read the full statement from her team below.
The country icon died yesterday (Tuesday August 25), with her family sharing the news in a statement. She was 80 years old.
Parton had spoken publicly about her health in recent months. In an update published last week, she said she was dealing with issues she had neglected while caring for her husband of 58 years, Carl Dean, before his death last year.
Now, the singer’s team has confirmed that she died following “a brief battle with cancer” (via Billboard).
“Our beloved Dolly Parton spent her life and career bringing joy, laughter, hope and integrity into everything she touched,” read the statement, which was signed ‘Team Dolly’.
“Her unmatched generosity reached the lives of countless people whom she would never meet, yet she was always there to offer a helping hand.
“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 message added: “After bravely facing a brief battle with cancer, Dolly departed her Earthly life today at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center [in Nashville, Tennessee] surrounded by loved ones.”
Following the news of Parton’s passing, tributes poured in from the music world and beyond. The likes of Elton John, Paul McCartney, Taylor Swift, Mick Jagger, Debbie Harry, Eminem and Miley Cyrus (Parton’s goddaughter) are among the major artists to have shared messages.
Elsewhere, Glastonbury boss Emily Eavis remembered the star’s historic Legends Slot performance at the festival in 2014: “There was a vast crowd in the field for her slot, the sun shone, and when she walked out on to the Pyramid Stage she reigned supreme. It was just magic. Thank you for it all, Dolly.”
In her family’s statement confirming her death, they wrote: “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.”
Parton said in an update last week that she was “dealing with some health issues that I just didn’t pay attention to when I was watching over Carl”, adding: “Seriously, though, even though I’m still healin’, I’m still workin’.”
In March, she made her first public appearance in several months, delivering a keynote speech at Dollywood. “I just kind of got worn down and worn out, grieving over Carl and a lot of other little things going on,” she said.
“I just got myself kind of where I needed to build myself back up spiritually, emotionally, and physically. But, all is good. It didn’t slow me down.”
The NME obituary for Parton concludes: “As we all reel from Dolly Parton’s death, that glorious 2014 Glastonbury set may prove a balm. Introducing ‘Coat Of Many Colors’, her 1971 country hit about a patchwork coat sewn by her mother, this humble ‘farmer’s daughter’ paid tribute to her family’s love and resilience. Resplendent in her rhinestone suit, she embodied both qualities as a unifying icon. The world has become more divided since that set, but everyone will always love Dolly.”
