Dolly Parton died after a brief battle with cancer, publicist says

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Country music icon Dolly Parton died after “bravely facing a brief battle with cancer,” her publicist said Tuesday.

“After bravely facing a brief battle with cancer, Dolly departed her Earthly life today at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center surrounded by loved ones,” a statement to People said.

The type of cancer was not disclosed.

Parton, who rose from humble beginnings to the greatest heights of American music and became one of the country’s most philanthropic, unifying and beloved stars, died Tuesday, according to a family statement. She was 80.

The statement, attributed to her nephew Bryan Seaver, said Parton died “peacefully.” A small, private service will be held for her close family, the statement added.

The star had been open about various health issues in the last two years, and especially after her husband Carl Dean died in March 2025. “Back when my husband Carl was very sick — that was for a long time — and then when he passed, I didn’t take care of myself,” Parton said in a video to fans earlier this year. “So I let a lot of things go that I should have been taking care of.”

CNN contributed to this report.