Legendary country singer-songwriter Dolly Parton has died at the age of 80, just days after opening up about her ongoing health issues
Dolly Parton admitted she ‘didn’t pay attention’ to her health issues, just days before her tragic death at the age of 80.
Her illustrious career spanned several decades, boasting Grammy awards, film roles and later in life, a musical inspired by her own journey.
Dolly Parton was predeceased by her husband of nearly 60 years, Carl Thomas Dean, who passed away in March 2025. The sad news was shared by her nephew, Brian Seaver, in a poignant Instagram video on Tuesday.
Just days before her passing, she provided an update on her ongoing health struggles. Speaking to People, Parton admitted, “I am dealing with some health issues that I just didn’t pay attention to when I was watching over Carl.
“It’s not like I haven’t been through hard times with my health,” she said, recalling a period in the early 1980s when she was “down for several months with female issues.”
The singer, who battled endometriosis, underwent a hysterectomy in the 1980s, reports the Express.
Parton reflected on today’s “24/7 world with social media” and how it amplifies every incident in “ways it wasn’t years ago.”
In the days leading up to her death, the legendary entertainer confessed she was still actively working.
She joked, “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!” On a more sombre note, she added, “Even though I’m still healin’, I’m still workin’.”
The musician added: “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.”
Parton revealed to the publication that she’s also exploring methods to deliver fresh experiences to her supporters. The performer explained that she’s presently collaborating with firms to develop “avatar performances” and they remain in the “early stages of development.”
The star made a virtual appearance on Thursday to collect the Poet’s Award at the Academy of Country Music Awards, amongst several recent occasions the country icon participated in from afar.
She had been battling health complications in recent months. Her nephew broke the news of her passing on Instagram.
“My name is Brin Seaver, son of Cassie Parton, and I’m representing the Parton and Owens family today announcing the passing of my aunt, Dolly Rebecca Parton Dean, Sister, Sis and Granny to one generation and Gigi to the next,” he says in the video. “This video announcement is something Dolly asked of me years ago, before I fully absorbed it as a future reality. As her head of security for more than two decades, a role my father Larry held before me, I have imagined the heaviness of this moment but haven’t truly felt it until now.”
Seaver added: “It is an honour, an honour that is mixed with absolute pride and great sadness. But sadness lies with us, not with Dolly. Dolly has lived in the light and is in the arms of Jesus, surely met by Carl, her parents and countless others who have watched her and longed to meet her in the heavens.”
Seaver concluded his statement, saying, “Rest in peace, Aunt Dolly – Aunt, Granny, Gigi. May God bless Dolly Parton, and may God bless you all. She will always love you.”
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
